Everything you need to know to vote and make your voice heard.
Where To Vote?
Pennsylvania voters can find their polling place by using the state’s Polling Place Search Tool. You will be required to input your county, city, and street name.
When Do Polls Open and Close?
Polling places in Pennsylvania are open from 7AM to 8PM. If you are still in line by 8PM, do not leave the line. You will still be able to vote.
Do I Need to Bring a Photo ID?
Many states require a photo identification for those voting in person. Pennsylvania only requires voters voting at a polling place for the first time to provide a photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID are:
- Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
- ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
- ID issued by the U.S. Government
- U.S. passport
- U.S. Armed Forces ID
- Student ID
- Employee ID
If you do not have a photo ID, you can use an approved non-photo ID that includes your name and address.
Approved forms of non-photo ID are:
- Confirmation or voter registration card issued by your county elections office
- Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
- Non-photo ID issued by the federal government
- Firearm permit
- Current utility bill
- Current bank statement
- Current paycheck
- Government check
What If There’s an Issue at the Polling Place?
If, while you’re at your local polling place and you are experiencing a problem that cannot be resolved by staff on site, you can call the Pennsylvania Department of State’s year-round voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (8683772).
This phone number can be called if you believe your rights have been violated, you have a complaint about how elections in Pennsylvania are being conducted, or if you are aware of voter fraud. You MUST be registered to vote in the state to file a complaint.
Additionally, you can contact your county board of election, a directory of which can be found here.
What If I Still Have My Mail-In Ballot?
The deadline to apply for a ballot was October 29th. However, if you voted early by mail but have yet to return your ballot, you have three options:
· Drop off your ballot at a designated return location, which can be found for each county here BEFORE 8PM on election day.
· Return your ballot by hand to your county election office, which can be found here BEFORE 8PM on election day.
· If you have your mail ballot but it is empty, take it with you to your polling place, where you will then be able to vote BEFORE 8PM on election day.
What Can I Do and Wear While Voting?
The Pennsylvania Department of State published a comprehensive guide on rules for polling places on election day.
Voters are allowed to take photos of themselves voting, aka “ballot selfies.” The Department of State asks voters to do so without disclosing the ballots of other voters.
Additionally, Pennsylvania expressly prohibits campaign related activities at polling places, including and especially for local election officials. Those officials are also not allowed to wear partisan apparel, extending also to poll watchers.
If a voter appears at a polling place to vote wearing political clothing or other apparel, that will not prevent them from exercising their vote, provided they do not campaign for their chosen candidates.
Voters can also bring campaign literature into the polling place if it helps them decide their vote.
Can I Volunteer for a Campaign at a Polling Place?
Yes, you can volunteer for a political campaign at a polling place, but you must be at least 10 feet away from the entrance of the room with voting machines.
