Whether approaching the ballot for the first time or returning as an experienced voter, understanding where to cast a vote, what identification to bring, and how to handle any complications that may arise is vital for a smooth electoral experience.
To find polling locations, Pennsylvania residents can utilize the state’s Polling Place Search Tool, which requires inputting information such as county, city, and street name.
Polling hours in Pennsylvania are set from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day. Voters who are in line by 8 PM will be allowed to cast their ballots.
First-time voters at their polling place must present a photo ID, which can be one of several forms, including:
- 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 voters without a photo ID, non-photo identification that includes both name and address will work. Acceptable forms of non-photo ID include:
- Confirmation of voter registration issued by the county elections office
- Non-photo ID from the Commonwealth or federal government
- Firearm permit
- Current utility bill
- Current bank statement
- Current paycheck
- Government check
If issues arise at polling places that on-site volunteers cannot resolve, voters should contact the Pennsylvania Department of State’s voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (8683772). This hotline is available throughout the year for complaints related to voter rights, election conduct, or reports of voter fraud. It’s important to remember that only registered voters in Pennsylvania can file a complaint. Additionally, voters can find contact information for county boards of elections online.
While the application deadline was October 29 to mail in your mail-in ballots, voters who have received their ballots but have not returned them have options:
- Drop off the ballot at designated return locations before 8 PM on Election Day.
- Hand deliver the ballot to the county election office before 8 PM on Election Day.
- If you possess an empty mail ballot, you may bring it to your polling place to vote in person before 8 PM.
The Pennsylvania Department of State has also established guidelines for Election Day etiquette at polling places. Voters are allowed to take “ballot selfies,” but should refrain from disclosing the ballots of others. Campaign activities are prohibited within polling places, and local election officials cannot wear partisan attire. Voters may don political clothing but are not permitted to campaign while casting their votes. Bringing campaign literature for personal reference during voting is acceptable.
Individuals who wish to volunteer for political campaigns can at polling locations, provided they maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from the entrance to the voting area.
