With Election Day on November 3 and mail voting now underway, Pennsylvania’s election has already begun. Here are five key facts about the election to help Pennsylvanians exercise their right to vote.
- Make sure that you are registered to vote
Now is the time to make sure that you are registered to vote and that your registration address is up to date. The deadline to register or update your registration is October 19, so be sure to take action before that date.
Check your voter registration here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/voterregistrationstatus.aspx
- You can vote by mail or in person
Due to recent changes in Pennsylvania law, Pennsylvania voters now have more options to vote. Voting is still available at polling places, where voters can vote in person. But voters may also vote by mail—no excuse is required. Applications for mail ballots can be completed online, through the mail, or at your county elections office (or, if available, satellite office).
Apply for your mail-in ballot here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin
Find your polling place here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx
- Voters have options for returning their mail ballots
Once you receive your mail ballot, you should promptly fill out the ballot, closely following the provided instructions. Be sure to place the completed ballot in the included secrecy envelope, and then place that envelope in the return envelope. Make sure that you sign the required lines on the return envelope. When ready, you can send your ballot in the mail or return it to your county election office (or to a satellite office or drop box location if your county has one).
- Get your mail ballot returned as early as you can
Your county must receive your ballot by November 3 if you are returning it in person to a county office or drop box location. If you are mailing your ballot, you must send your ballot by November 3, and it must be received by November 6—so be sure to return your ballot as soon as you can. If you decide that you would rather vote in person, be sure to take your mail ballot and the envelopes with you to your polling place on election day—officials there should accept your mail ballot, “spoil” it, and then let you vote in person.
- Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you experience any problems or issues trying to vote
There are trained and dedicated volunteers (including lawyers) ready and willing to help you exercise your right to vote. If you experience any problems or issues voting, completing your mail ballot, or even applying for your ballot—call 866-OUR-VOTE to be connected with the non-partisan Election Protection hotline where these volunteers will assist you.