Pennsylvania
1 Check ID Rules
Voting in Person
Pennsylvania only requests ID the first time you vote in your precinct.
Be prepared with ID if you are voting for the first time, or if you moved to a new precinct since the last time you voted.
Option 1: Show an accepted ID
You can show one of these photo IDs (must be unexpired):
- Pennsylvania driver’s license
- Pennsylvania state ID card
- Photo ID issued by Pennsylvania or the US government
- US passport or passport card
- Student ID (high school, college, or university)
- Military identification
- Employee ID
Or a non-photo ID that has your name and address:
- Voter registration card
- Firearm permit
- Non-photo ID issued by Pennsylvania or the US government
- Current utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck
Voting early in Pennsylvania uses on-demand mail or absentee ballots. If you are voting early, you need to meet the ID requirements for voting by mail (see below).
Option 2: If you can’t show ID or are challenged
First time in your precinct:
If you are new to your precinct and don’t present an accepted ID, you have to cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls.
- Your county board of elections will review your provisional ballot and decide if you were eligible to vote.
- Your ballot will count if the board verifies you were eligible.
If you are challenged on your identity or residency:
You can vote a regular ballot if:
- You sign a challenge affidavit form.
- Another registered voter in your precinct serves as a witness and confirms your identity.
You have to vote a provisional ballot if you can’t or don’t want to produce a witness. Pennsylvania voters can only be challenged on the basis of their residency, identity, and eligibility to vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Pennsylvania?
You still have options if you’re challenged at the polls over ID or residency.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Pennsylvania?
You must show a physical ID at the polls.
You cannot use an image, copy, or digital ID when voting in person.
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Pennsylvania?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Pennsylvania.
“REAL ID” is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Your ID will show a star if it meets REAL ID standards.
How to get a “REAL ID” in Pennsylvania:
- You must appear in person to apply for your driver’s license or ID card.
- You must bring a variety of documents to prove your identity.
- Visit the PennDOT website to check what you need.
Voting by Mail
Any registered Pennsylvania voter can request a mail-in ballot. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person. Pennsylvania also has absentee ballots for qualified voters. Both mail-in and absentee voters must provide an ID number or a copy of an accepted ID when requesting their ballot.
Give one of these numbers when you request your ballot:
- Pennsylvania driver’s license number
- Pennsylvania state ID card number
If you don’t have one of these numbers:
Use the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
If you also don’t have a Social Security number:
- Check the box confirming that you don’t have any of the required numbers.
- Provide a copy of accepted photo ID with your request. Your ID must be unexpired. High school student IDs are not accepted for voting by mail.
Returning your ballot:
You don’t need to include ID with your completed ballot. All Pennsylvania ballots must be returned using two envelopes — an outer “mailing” envelope and an inner “privacy” or “secrecy” envelope. If you don’t use both envelopes, your vote won’t be counted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix my Pennsylvania mail ballot if it is rejected?
Your options for curing your mail or absentee ballot depend on the county where you are voting. Each county has its own procedure for notifying (or not notifying) voters and correcting ballots.
- For specific information about your county, check the ACLU of Pennsylvania’s website.
- The county board of elections cannot reject your ballot solely due to a signature comparison
2 Register
Who can vote in Pennsylvania?
You need to register before you can vote in Pennsylvania.
You can vote in Pennsylvania if you meet these requirements:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a resident of Pennsylvania.
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Pennsylvania if:
- You have been convicted of a felony, and your civil rights have not been restored.
- You are under a court order that takes away your right to vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register to vote in Pennsylvania if I have been convicted of a crime?
Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote.
To check your eligibility to register in Pennsylvania, visit Restore Your Vote.
Can I register to vote in Pennsylvania if I attend college in Pennsylvania?
College students are allowed to vote using their Pennsylvania school residence address.
You can decide whether to register in your home state or where you attend school.
You may only be registered and vote in one location.
How to Register
Required ID Information
You have to verify your identity when you register to vote!
If you have a driver’s license or state ID card:
- Give your license or ID number on the registration form.
If you do not have either ID:
- Give the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Don’t have a Social Security number? Leave this part of the form blank.
If you do not provide an ID number when you register, be ready to show an accepted ID the first time you vote.
Register to Vote Online
You can use this form to register in Pennsylvania online.
Other Voter Registration Options
- Complete a registration form and send via mail.
- Visit your local election office or a voter registration agency to register in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register and vote on the same day in Pennsylvania?
No, Pennsylvania does not allow you to register and vote on the same day.
Check Pennsylvania’s registration deadlines here!.
If the registration deadline for an upcoming election has passed, you can still apply to register. Your registration will be processed, and you will be registered to vote in future elections.
How do I fix or update my voter registration information?
If you cannot find your registration information or if any details are incorrect:
- Update your name, address, or political party affiliation by submitting a new registration.
- Contact your local election office if you have questions or need to make other changes.
Register to Vote in Pennsylvania
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
Pennsylvania requests ID from some voters. If you can’t present an accepted ID on Election Day or are challenged at the polls, you have options:
First Time in Precinct
If you are new to your precinct and do not present an accepted ID, you have to cast a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls.
Your county board of elections will review your provisional ballot and decide if you were eligible to vote.
Your ballot will count if the board verifies you were eligible.
Other Voters
Voters who are challenged on their identity or residency can vote a regular ballot if:
- You sign a challenge affidavit form.
- Another registered voter in your precinct serves as a witness and confirms your identity.
You have to vote a provisional ballot if you can’t or don’t want to produce a witness.
Pennsylvania voters can only be challenged on the basis of their residency, identity, and eligibility to vote.
Voting by Mail
Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania. You don’t have to give a reason why you can’t vote in person.
Pennsylvania also has absentee ballots for qualified voters.
Both mail-in and absentee voters must provide an ID number or copy of an accepted ID when requesting their ballot.
Returning a Mail-in or Absentee Ballot
You don’t need to include ID with your completed ballot.
All types of Pennsylvania ballots must be sent back using two envelopes – an outer “mailing” envelope and an inner “privacy” or “secrecy” envelope. If you don’t use both envelopes, your vote won’t be counted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix my Pennsylvania mail ballot if it is rejected?
Your options for curing your mail or absentee ballot depends on the county where you are voting. Each county has its own procedure for notifying (or not notifying) voters and correcting ballots.
For specific information about your county, check the ACLU of Pennsylvania’s website.
The county board of elections cannot reject your ballot solely due to signature comparisons
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