Voting in Pennsylvania

Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Pennsylvania.

Vote By Mail Deadlines

How Vote By Mail Works in Pennsylvania

Voting by mail is a two-step process in Pennsylvania.

Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received is October 31st by 5 p.m.

• Include your in-state ID number or a photocopy of a valid photo ID with your application.

Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.

• Return in person to your county election board, a designated ballot drop off location or a secure ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on November 7th.
• Or mail in your ballot - ballots must be received by November 7th to be counted. We recommend returning ASAP.

As a reminder, mail-in ballots that are not dated or are incorrectly dated will not count. Be sure to double check that you have properly dated your ballot before returning it.

Click Here to See Your Ballot

Where to Sign Your Ballot

Remember to sign your return ballot.

After you complete your ballot, put it into the secrecy envelope and then into the return envelope. Sign the voter's declaration on the outside of the outer return envelope. If you do not follow the instructions and use both envelopes your vote will not count.

Here is an instructional video from the state - don't let your ballot be naked!

ID Requirements to Vote By Mail

First time voters must submit ID when voting by mail.

ID is required with application to vote by mail.

First time voters that vote in person must present a valid ID. Info here on what qualifies. When you apply for a ballot by mail, you must include your in-state ID number or a photocopy of a valid ID with your application.

If applying to vote absentee or by-mail voter must submit a valid ID with their application. Valid forms of ID include;

• PA driver’s license number
• PENN DOT ID number
• Last four digits of social security number
• A copy of an ID that shows a name, photo and a current expiration date (this can only occur if a voter does not have any of the other identification numbers listed above)

No ID needs to be submitted with the absentee ballot, but the signature on the ballot must match the signature on the voter registration form.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.

You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, or drop box.

Can Someone Else Return Your Ballot For You?

You are the only person that can return your ballot in person.

Track Your Ballot

Track your ballot by clicking here.

Haven't used your ballot?

Yes. Bring the ballot with you to "surrender" at the polls. If you do no have the ballot, you will vote a provisional ballot.

Opportunities to Fix Challenges to Your Ballot

Pennsylvania does offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot.

In Pennsylvania, most county election boards offer an opportunity to cure your mail-in ballot if there are common errors. Your local elections office should contact you and give you options to remedy your ballot.

You may get a call from a number you do not recognize with a notification that you need to cure your ballot. Be sure to pick so you don’t miss your chance to make sure your vote is counted.

Do Voters Need ID?

Voter ID in Pennsylvania

Presidential Primaries

Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open

Only registered voters affiliated with a particular party may vote in its primary. See Pennsylvania Republican Party or Democratic Party sites for more details.

Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.

You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.

In-Person Absentee Dates

Dates and hours vary by county. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.

You can vote in-person absentee in Pennsylvania

In person absentee voting begins when ballots are available to each county, which takes place approximately 4 weeks before Election Day. To vote in person absentee request, fill out, and return your ballot while at your county elections office. You may do this through the Tuesday before Election Day

Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.

In Pennsylvania, you can preregister to vote if you are 18 by the next election. Register to vote today!

Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!

You can not vote in the Pennsylvania primaries if you are 17 by the next election.