Frequently asked questions

What should I do to get ready to vote?

If it’s your first time voting, make sure to bring a valid form of ID, which can be either a photo ID or a document without a photo.
Use the online tools available to find out where your polling place is located.
Familiarize yourself with the voting process specific to your county, and review demos of voting systems specific to your county.
Review the candidates and issues that will be on your ballot, and consider planning how you want to vote ahead of time. Sample ballots are typically available on your county election office's website.

What type of ID do first time voters need?

When voting at a polling place for the first time, you must show proof of identification, either with photo or other ID. 

You may use one of the following forms of photo identification, so long as it is not expired, canceled, or revoked:

  • 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 one of the following so long as it includes your name and address: 

  • Confirmation issued by the county voter registration office, such as a voter registration card.

  • Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth

  • Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government

  • Firearm permit

  • Current utility bill

  • Current bank statement

  • Paycheck

  • Government check

This requirement applies only for the first time you appear to vote in a particular election district/polling place. You will not have to show ID again unless you move and are assigned to a new polling place.

What do I need to know about my polling place?

  • In Pennsylvania, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The busiest times of day to vote are in the morning and evening. If you can, try going at less busy times.

  • If you have a question, ask a poll worker.

  • If you are in line at or before 8 p.m. (when polls close), you will be allowed to cast your vote.

  • Certified party poll watchers are allowed inside the polls.

  • Certified nonpartisan poll monitors are allowed outside the polls.

  • Poll workers cannot wear partisan clothing or accessories. Voters are permitted to wear clothing, button, or hats that demonstrate their support for particular candidates.

What is a provisional ballot?

Sometimes county elections officials need more time to determine a voter's eligibility to vote. Election officials may ask a voter to vote a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot records your vote while the county board of elections determines whether it can be counted.

Why would I need to use a provisional ballot?

  • Your name was not in the poll book or supplemental poll book.

    • For example, you reported to the wrong precinct; or

    • You did not report a recent change in residence to the county election office.

  • You are required to show ID, but cannot show ID.

  • Your eligibility was challenged by an election official.

  • You were issued an absentee or mail-in ballot but believe you did not successfully vote that ballot, and you do not surrender your ballot and outer return envelope at the polling place to be spoiled.

  • You returned a completed absentee or mail‐in ballot that was rejected, or you believe will be rejected, by the county board of elections and you believe you are eligible to vote.

  • There is a special court order with respect to your registration status.

  • There is a special court order related to extending the hours of voting.

  • You believe that you are registered in a political party, but your voter record indicates otherwise (for primary elections only).

How do I vote a provisional ballot?

If you vote by provisional ballot, you will be asked to follow these instructions:

  1. Complete the sections on the provisional envelope labeled Voter Information, Voter Affidavit for Provisional Ballot, and Current Address in front of election officials.

  2. Mark your provisional ballot in an accessible and private area of the polling place.

  3. Seal your provisional ballot in the secrecy envelope.

  4. Seal the secrecy envelope in the provisional ballot affidavit envelope.

  5. Fill out the Voter Signature section on the provisional ballot envelope in front of polling place election officials.

  6. Return the sealed provisional ballot affidavit envelope to a polling place election official.

  7. Receive your provisional ballot identification receipt.

What do I do if I find out my ballot has been challenged?

If you find out that your ballot has been challenged, it's important to remain calm and understand your options. A ballot challenge typically occurs if a poll worker, poll watcher, or another voter questions your eligibility to vote—such as your identity or residency in the precinct.

Here’s what you can do if your ballot is challenged:

  1. Ask for an Explanation: Find out why your ballot has been challenged. The reason will typically be related to residency or your identity, and you have the right to know the specific issue.

  2. Provide Proof: If possible, provide any documentation that can prove your eligibility. This might include showing proof of address, identification, or other relevant documents.

  3. Voting by Provisional Ballot: If the issue cannot be resolved on the spot, you may be offered a provisional ballot. This means your vote will be counted once the election officials verify your eligibility. Ask about the process for having your provisional ballot reviewed and counted.

  4. Follow Up: After the election, you may be able to check if your provisional ballot was accepted. Contact your local election office to confirm the status of your vote.

If you're unsure about what to do, ask a poll worker or contact your local election officials for guidance on how to proceed with a challenged ballot.

Will we know election results the night of the election?

Counting the hundreds of thousands – sometimes millions – of mail ballots cast in every election takes time. Unlike other states, state law in Pennsylvania prevents counties from even beginning to open ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day – when those same election officials are managing in-person voting at more than 9,100 polling places.

That law can only be changed if the Pennsylvania legislature sends a bill to the Governor’s desk to allow counties to open mail ballot envelopes, flatten the ballots, and prepare them to be tallied BEFORE Election Day as most other states already allow.

While we know there may be an eagerness to predict the outcomes, counties are prioritizing accuracy and security as they count ballots.

The results of federal and state elections in Pennsylvania are available on Pennsylvania’s Department of state election results website starting after 8 p.m. on election night.

The results of county, city, and local elections in Pennsylvania may be found on your county's board of elections website.

Finally, when it comes to results and any other election-related information, make sure you are getting your information from trusted sources, such as the Department of State's voting website, vote.pa.gov.

What if there is an emergency and I can’t vote in person?

In the event of an unexpected illness, disability, or last-minute absence from your municipality (such as being in the hospital), you can request an emergency absentee ballot after 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before Election Day.

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit your emergency absentee ballot application is 8 p.m. on Election Day.

  • If you're unable to submit your absentee ballot personally, you can designate someone to act on your behalf. This person will need to complete the Authorized Representative for Emergency Absentee Ballot Form.

These forms can be picked up at your county's Bureau of Elections Office or downloaded here:

The Authorized Representative for Emergency Absentee Ballot Form allows you to authorize someone (a friend, relative, or designated agent) to pick up and return your emergency absentee ballot on your behalf.

What is the Designated Agent Form and who can use it?

The Designated Agent Form allows voters with disabilities to choose someone to help them with mail voting. This person, called your "designated agent," can assist by picking up and returning your mail-in ballot or voting materials, as well as provide other necessary help with the voting process.

How do I use the Designated Agent Form?

  1. Complete the top section of the form.

  2. Have your designated agent fill out the bottom section.

  3. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records (a phone photo works).

  4. Give the original form to your designated agent, who must present it when picking up or returning your voting materials.
    Note: Do not include this form in the secrecy envelope with your completed ballot.

Who can be my designated agent?
You can choose anyone to assist you, except for your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer/agent of your union. Additionally, it is illegal for anyone to coerce or intimidate you during the voting process.

What do I do if there is a problem?

  • If you need help voting, cannot use the voting system, or cannot go to a polling place because of a disability, learn about accessible voting options.

  • If your name is not in the voter roster and you believe you registered to vote in your precinct, you may have the right to vote on a provisional ballot. Your vote will count if election officials determine that you are eligible to vote.

  • If you are away from home on Election Day, you may be able to vote by mail-in ballot.

  • If you hear of any problems coming up for voters, please refer them to the hotline:

    ENGLISH 866-OUR-VOTE 866-687-8683

    SPANISH/ENGLISH 888-VE-Y-VOTA 888-839-8682

    ASIAN LANGUAGES/ENGLISH 888-API-VOTE 888-274-8683

    ARABIC/ENGLISH 844-YALLA-US 844-925-5287

What Rights do I have as a Voter?

You have important rights as a voter, protected by both federal and Pennsylvania law. These rights ensure that you can vote free from discrimination or intimidation.

Voting Rights and Protections

  • No Discrimination: It's illegal for anyone to deny you the right to vote based on your race, ethnicity, national origin, or language status.

  • Challenges to Voting: Your right to vote can only be questioned if a poll worker, poll watcher, or another voter claims you don't live in the precinct or that you're not who you say you are.

  • Protection from Intimidation: No one can force or pressure you to vote for or against any candidate or political issue.

What Additional Protections do I have?

  • Language Rights: If you speak a language other than English, you have the right to assistance at the polls. Counties must provide election materials in other languages when there are enough voting-age people who speak that language.

  • Disability Rights: Polling places must have voting systems that are accessible for voters with disabilities. If you need assistance, you can bring someone into the voting booth with you.

  • Rights for Incarcerated or Convicted Voters: If you are in jail, on probation, or have a felony or misdemeanor conviction, special rules may apply to your voting rights.

What if I have a problem I would like to report?

If you experience voter fraud or other issues with elections, you can report it online or contact your local election office. Complaints won't change election results but can help improve the process.

What are Language Access Provisions in PA?

Under federal law, counties must provide election services and information in another language when the population of voting-age people who speak that language reaches a certain size. In any county, if you have limited English proficiency, you may choose someone to enter the voting booth with you to help you vote. 

Pennsylvania provides voter registration forms in Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese on the voter registration page. 

What Rights do Voters with Disabilities have?

Each polling place must be accessible to voters with disabilities. If you're unable to use the voting system due to a disability, you can choose someone to assist you in the voting booth.

Voting After a Conviction

If you have a felony or misdemeanor conviction, or are currently incarcerated, on probation, or under house arrest, there are specific rules for registering and voting.