Important Dates for Voting
- Deadline to register to vote: Monday, Oct. 21
- Deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot: Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m.
- Election Day; mail-in and absentee ballots due: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Quick Overview of Voting
Voter Registration
You can check if you’re registered to vote through the Pennsylvania voter services portal.
Absentee and Mail Voting
Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot without needing to give a reason. Absentee ballots are a bit different. They’re only for those who can’t make it to the polls because of a disability, illness, or because they will be out of town on Election Day.
Early In-Person Voting
You can fill out a mail-in or absentee ballot in person at your county elections board until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Voting at the Polls
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Only first-time voters need to show an approved form of ID, like a Pennsylvania driver’s license or a current utility bill.
Recent Changes to Voting in Pennsylvania
When you renew or receive your state driver’s license or state ID at a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) site, you will automatically go through the voter registration process unless you choose to opt out.
The state has also introduced new mail-in ballot materials. These include clearer instructions and color-coded envelopes.
How to Register to Vote
You can register online, by mail, or in person. All registration forms need to be received by Monday, Oct. 21, for the general election.
Online
Use the state’s voter registration portal. You’ll need your Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT identification card number. If you don’t have either, use the last four digits of your Social Security number.
By Mail
Print a voter registration form, complete it, and mail it to your county’s voter registration office. Include your Pennsylvania driver’s license number or PennDOT ID card number. If you don’t have these, include the last four digits of your Social Security number. This form can also be used to request a mail-in ballot.
In Person
You can register in person at your county’s voter registration office, an Area Agency on Aging location, marriage license bureau, or other locations listed on the state department’s website. Voter registration is also automatically offered at a PennDOT photo or driver’s license center when you get or update your driver’s license.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
Pennsylvania does not allow voter registration on Election Day.
Check Your Registration Status
Use the Pennsylvania voter services portal to verify your voter registration status.
How to Request a Mail-in or Absentee Ballot
Pennsylvania has two types of ballots: mail-in ballots and absentee ballots.
Mail-in Ballots
Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot without providing a reason. You can also register with the state’s annual mail-in voter list to automatically receive a mail-in ballot for every election through the third Monday in February of the following year. Note: you must submit a new request each year.
Absentee Ballots
Only those with a disability, illness, or who will be out of town on Election Day can request an absentee ballot.
How to Apply
You can apply for either ballot online, by mail, or in person:
- Online: Use the state’s ballot request portal. You will need a Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT identification card number. If you don’t have either, include the last four digits of your Social Security number and upload a photo of your signature.
- By Mail: Fill out, print, and sign a mail-in or absentee ballot application. If you don’t have a Pennsylvania driver’s license, PennDOT ID card, or Social Security number, include a photocopy of another photo ID, such as a U.S. passport or military ID. Send your completed application to your county elections board.
- In Person: Visit your county elections board or a satellite election office to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot.
Your completed mail-in or absentee ballot application must be received by Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m.
If you experience an emergency, like an unexpected illness, you can apply for an emergency absentee ballot. The application must be received by your county elections board by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Returning Your Mail-in or Absentee Ballot
Your completed ballot must be sealed in the provided inner secrecy envelope, and you need to sign and date the voter’s declaration on the outer envelope.
Return your ballot by mail or in person to your county elections board. You can also use a secure drop box or visit a satellite election office if available. Remember, ballots must be received (not just postmarked) by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
You must return your own ballot unless you have a disability and have designated someone else or are requesting an emergency ballot.
Use the state’s voter portal to track the status of your ballot.
Voting In Person Before Election Day
You can cast an absentee or mail ballot at your county elections board until Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Use the state’s voter services portal to find a polling place near you.
Voter ID Requirements
Only first-time voters need to show an approved form of ID, such as a Pennsylvania driver’s license, U.S. passport, or a current bank statement.
Voting with a Disability
If you have a disability, you can designate someone else to submit your mail-in or absentee application and/or return your ballot. Both you and your designated agent need to complete an authorization form for this.
Every polling place in the state is required to have at least one accessible voting system. The department of state’s website includes video demonstrations on how to use the system available in your county.
If you need help completing your ballot, you can get assistance from someone of your choice, as long as that person is not your employer, union representative, or a judge of elections.
For more information, visit the department of state’s website.
