How to Cast a Ballot
Once you're registered to vote, it's time to voice your vote! Pennsylvania offers several ways to cast your ballot, so you can choose the option that works best for you.
Vote In Person on Election Day
Many Pennsylvanians choose to vote at their closest polling place on Election Day.
Here's what to expect:
Plan a time to go to the polls on Election Day. The polls are open 7:00AM to 8:00PM. As long as you're in line by 8:00PM, you have the right to vote.
If it's your first time voting at that polling place, you'll need to bring an approved form of identification. You can find a list of acceptable ID below, or go to this page.
Check in with the poll workers when you arrive.
Use the voting system provided by your county to mark your choices, review your ballot, and cast your vote.
Vote In Person Early “On Demand”
Pennsylvania offers a method of “on demand voting” at your county election office (or another designated location) during the mail ballot application period.
Here's how it works:
Visit your county election office or an approved satellite election office before the mail ballot application deadline.
Apply for a mail ballot in person.
If your ballot is available, you'll receive it right away during this visit.
Fill out your ballot on site.
Seal it in the required secrecy envelope.
Place the secrecy envelope inside the pre-addressed return envelope.
Sign and date the declaration on the back of the mailing envelope. Make sure you write the current date you are signing the mailing envelope as month/day/year. (for example: 10/20/2026)
Return your completed ballot before you leave.
This option lets you apply for, complete, and return your ballot in one visit, so you can vote early without waiting for the mail or mailing anything out.
Vote by Mail
Any registered voter in Pennsylvania can request a mail ballot. People often choose this option if they have a busy schedule, and/or prefer to complete the ballot in the comfort of their home, at their own pace.
To vote by mail:
Apply for a mail ballot before the Pennsylvania mail ballot application deadline. You can apply online here.
When your ballot arrives, carefully read the instructions.
Fill out your ballot. Use a blue or black ink pen and fill the circles in completely next to your choices.
Place your ballot inside the official secrecy envelope.
Place the secrecy envelope inside the pre-addressed return envelope.
Sign and date the declaration on the back of the mailing envelope. Make sure you write the current date you are signing the mailing envelope as month/day/year. (for example: 10/20/2026)
Return your ballot by mail or deliver it to your county election office or another approved ballot drop-off location before the deadline.
Important: Ballots returned without the required secrecy envelope cannot be counted under Pennsylvania law! So, make sure to read the instructions carefully on your mail ballot! If you have a mail ballot, but it’s too late to mail it in before Election Day (we recommend mailing no less than a week before Election Day), you can hand deliver it to your county election office or another official ballot drop-off location. You can find your closest ballot drop-off location here.
Need Help Voting?
Pennsylvania voters have the right to receive assistance if they need help because of a disability, difficulty reading or writing, or needing support in a different language.
Voter hotlines:
Voter Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-Vote
DOS PA Voter Hotline: 1-877-VOTESPA
Linea direct en Espanol: 1-866-VE-Y-VOTA
Asian Languages Hotline: 1-866-API-VOTE
Arabic Hotline: 1-844-YALLA-US
Information about accessible voting for those with disabilities can be found here. More info can be found on vote.pa.gov
Before You Vote
Make a plan before Election Day:
Check your voter registration status.
Find your polling place or track your mail ballot.
Review a sample ballot, so you know who and what is on it.
Bring an approved ID if you're voting for the first time at your polling place.
Know the deadlines for voter registration, mail ballot applications, and ballot return.
Approved forms of ID for voting in Pennsylvania:
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 A non-photo identification that includes the voter’s name and address is also acceptable. • Voter registration card issued by the County Voter Registration Office
Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government
Non-photo ID issued by any agency of the Commonwealth or U.S. Government
Firearm permit
Current utility bill
Current bank statement
Paycheck
Government check
