Information for Voters in Pennsylvania

There is a Primary Election on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Never registered before? Moved since you last voted?

If you have never voted before the first step is to register. If anything has changed since the last time you voted, new address, change of name or you want to change party affiliation, you should update your registration. It is important that you are registered at your current address so you can get the correct ballot, especially if you plan to vote by mail.

 ⌛ Key Dates for Vote by Mail or Absentee Ballot:

📞If you want to register in person, or on paper, call 1-877-VOTESPA for help.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

REGISTERING TO VOTE:

I recently registered to vote. How do I make sure I really am registered?

It takes a few days for the county election office to review your registration form and add you to the list.

  • You can check your registration status by calling your county board of election or going online with the PA Department of State.

  • If you get a notice that your registration has been rejected, or you have a question, call 866-OUR-VOTE for assistance.

I am a registered voter, but I recently moved. Am I still registered to vote?

  • Yes. But, if you want to vote close to your new home, or if you want to vote by mail, you will need to update your registration with your new address. You can change your address online with the PA Department of State. If you want to register in person, or on paper, call 1-877-VOTESPA for help.

  • You may also go back to your old polling place and vote there. If you moved less than 30 days before an election, you must vote at your old polling location. If you moved from out-of-state, you need to register to vote in Pennsylvania.

Can I register and vote if I have a criminal record?

✅ Yes, you can vote as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony. You can vote if you are on probation or parole, are under house arrest, or are serving time for a misdemeanor conviction.

I was born in Puerto Rico. Can I vote in Pennsylvania?

If you were born in Puerto Rico, you are automatically a U.S. citizen and can register to vote in Pennsylvania (or the state where you live).

Voting or even registering to vote when you are not a U.S. citizen is a crime and can prevent you from becoming a citizen.

📨 VOTING BY MAIL:

How do I request a mail-in ballot?

Submit an online application for a mail-in or absentee ballot.

What do I do if my request for a mail-in ballot is denied?

If you get a notice that your request was denied, call 866-OUR-VOTE to get free assistance from a lawyer.

When will I get my ballot?

By law, the county must send your mail-in ballot two weeks before the election. If it doesn’t arrive, or you lose it, or make a mistake while you are marking the ballot, call your county election office for a replacement. You can check or track your ballot at www.vote.PA.gov/mailballotstatus.

Can someone else drop off my mail ballot for me?

You must return your own ballot. If you have a disability, you can designate someone else to return your ballot for you by filling out the Authorized Designated Agent form at www.vote.PA.gov.

Can I change my mind about voting by mail after I’ve applied?

Yes. Bring your ballot and the return envelope to your polling place on Election Day. Poll workers will cancel it, and you can vote in person in a polling booth. If you don’t have your ballot, you will have to vote on a provisional ballot.

Will my vote really be counted if I vote by mail?

Voting by mail is safe. There are checks in place that can prevent your vote from not being counted. If you suspect it is lost in the mail, or if you lose it in the house, you can call your county election office and request a replacement. Google your county’s election office or call 1-877-VOTESPA to be connected.

For your ballot to be counted you must:

  • Insert your marked ballot into the secrecy envelope, the one marked “Official Election Ballot.” Seal the envelope and do not make any marks on that envelope.

  • Insert the sealed secrecy envelope into the outer return envelope addressed to the county.

  • You MUST sign your name and handwrite the date on the return envelope.

  • If you do not sign and date the envelope your ballot will NOT be counted.

👋 VOTING IN PERSON:

Where do I go to vote?

You can find your polling place at www.vote.PA.gov, by calling 866-OUR-VOTE, or by calling your county election office.

Do I need a photo ID to vote in person?

No. Only voters who are voting for the first time in their polling location need to show ID. You can use a photo ID, including an employee or student ID if you have one. You can also use a non-photo ID, like a utility bill or bank statement that has your address. You should not be asked for your ID if you have voted before at that polling location.

What if they tell me I am not on the list of voters?

First, ask the election official to check the list again or to look at the supplemental poll book (a list of recent changes to the voting rolls). Offer to spell your name. If you believe you’re at the right polling place but your name isn’t on the voter list, ask for a provisional ballot, they are required to give you one. Please report your experience to 866-OUR-VOTE.

What is a provisional ballot?

A provisional ballot is used to record your vote when there’s a question about your eligibility or if you requested a mail-ballot. It will be counted if election officials determine that you were eligible to vote.

Can my right to vote be challenged at the poll?

Yes, but only for certain reasons and by certain people. An election official, poll watcher, or another voter may only challenge a voter if they think the voter does not live in the precinct or is not the person the voter says they are.

Disclaimer:

This guide to voting in Pennsylvania is not legal advice. If you have questions about your eligibility or rights, please call 866-OUR-VOTE or consult a lawyer.

For more information, visit www.vote.PA.gov.