Make sure your voice is heard by knowing your rights and responsibilities at the polls.
Pennsylvania voters need to be well-informed about the voting process to ensure their voices are heard. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, understanding where to vote, what to bring, and how to address any issues that arise is crucial for a smooth voting experience.
Where to Vote
Pennsylvania residents can locate their polling places using the state’s Polling Place Search Tool, which requires inputting your county, city, and street name.
Polling Hours
Polling places across Pennsylvania will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Voters who are in line at 8 PM are encouraged to stay and they will be permitted to cast their ballots.
Identification Requirements
While many states mandate photo identification for in-person voting, Pennsylvania has specific requirements. Voters casting a ballot at their polling place for the first time must provide a photo ID. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- 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
For those without a photo ID, non-photo IDs that include your name and address are acceptable. These can include:
- Confirmation of voter registration issued by your county elections office
- Non-photo ID from the Commonwealth
- Non-photo ID from the federal government
- Firearm permit
- Current utility bill
- Current bank statement
- Current paycheck
- Government check
Addressing Polling Place Issues
Should voters encounter any issues at their polling locations that cannot be resolved by on-site staff, they are urged to contact the Pennsylvania Department of State’s voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (8683772). This hotline is available year-round for complaints regarding voter rights, election conduct, or reports of voter fraud. It is important to note that individuals must be registered to vote in Pennsylvania to file a complaint. Additionally, contact information for county boards of elections is available online.
Handling Mail-In Ballots
While the deadline to apply for mail-in ballots was October 29, voters who have received their ballots but not yet returned them have three options:
- Drop off the ballot at a designated return location before 8 PM on Election Day.
- Hand deliver the ballot to your county election office before 8 PM on Election Day.
- If you have an empty mail ballot, bring it to your polling place to vote in person before 8 PM.
Voting Etiquette and Rules
The Pennsylvania Department of State has issued guidelines for polling places on Election Day. Voters may take “ballot selfies” while refraining from disclosing others’ ballots. Campaign-related activities are strictly prohibited within polling places, and local election officials are also barred from wearing partisan apparel. Voters may wear political clothing but must not engage in campaigning while voting. Bringing campaign literature to aid in decision-making is permitted.
Volunteering at Polling Places
Individuals interested in volunteering for political campaigns can do so at polling places, provided they maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from the entrance to the voting area.
