Know Your Options to Vote

Mail-in and Absentee Ballots

Once you are registered to vote in Pennsylvania, you have a few options regarding how to vote. If you prefer a mail ballot, you have two options:

  Identification for Mail-In and Absentee Ballots

In order to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, you must supply proof of identification (ID), unless you are a uniformed and overseas citizen or are a voter who qualifies under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped ACT. The accepted forms of ID include either a current and valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, a PennDOT photo ID card, the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number, or a photocopy of one of the following IDs showing name, a photo and an expiration date that is current:

  Applying for a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot Online

If you have the proper proof of identification, you can apply online for a mail-in or absentee ballot here. Through this form you can also sign up to be an annual mail-in voter or provide an email address to receive notifications about your application and ballot status.

  Applying for a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot by Mail

Paper ballot applications come in several languages, including a Mail-in and Absentee applications in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese and can be downloaded here. Paper applications can also be received by:

  Applying for a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot in Person

  Emergency Absentee Ballot

In the case of an emergency such as illness, disability, or last-minute absence, you can request an Emergency Absentee Ballot after 5:00pm on the Tuesday before the election. This must be submitted to the County Election Board by the time polls close, 8:00pm, on Election Day.

  Annual Mail-In Ballot Request List

You can request to be added to the annual mail-in ballot list and you’ll automatically receive an application to renew your mail-in ballot request each February. Once this request is approved, you will receive ballots automatically for the remainder of the year. You must submit a request to vote by mail ballot every year that you wish to vote by mail. 

  Completing A Mail-In or Absentee Ballot

Detailed instructions for completing and returning your ballot can be found here. Absentee and Mail-In Ballots must be received by 8:00pm on election day at your county election board. To ensure your ballot is received by the deadline, return the ballot as soon as possible.

Voting at the Polls

  Accessibility Voting

Every polling place in Pennsylvania must have at least one accessible voting system. Sometimes this is the general voting system used by all voters. It may be a separate system with features such as audio, tactile keys and other assistive technology. Further details on accessibility around voting are located here.

  Hours of Polls

Some employers offer paid or unpaid time off to vote on election day. Check with your employer to see if this applies to you. Polls are open from 7:00am – 8:00pm. Anyone in line by 8:00pm will be allowed to vote. After your first time at the polls, and if your polling place has not changed, you will only be asked for your name before being able to vote.

Updating Your Voter Registration

If you move, change your address, name or party you may want to check and update your registration. You can check your voter registration status online or by phone:

Changing Your Political Party

On the voter registration form, select the box that says ‘Change of Party’ 

You can change your political party at any time. When the change gets made in the system depends on when you make the change: