November 4 is Election Day. It is the right and responsibility of every American to vote.
VOTE! Be sure your voice is heard and encourage others to vote too!
Six Steps to Being a Voter
- REGISTER. If you're not already registered to vote, do it NOW! Urge others you know to register as well. The deadline to register to vote in November's general election on November 4 is Monday, October 6.
To learn more about registering - VOTING LOCATION. Find the location where you are assigned to vote and find out if it is accessible. (If you are unable to travel to your voting location, you must make other plans or vote using an absentee ballot.
To learn more about finding your voting location - ABSENTEE BALLOT. If you need to vote by absentee ballot apply for it NOW! The last day to apply for Pennsylvania residents is Tuesday, October 28.
To learn more about absentee ballot - TRANSPORTATION/ASSISTANCE. If you need assistance traveling to your voting place, make the arrangements at least a week before Election Day, November 4.
To learn more about assistance in traveling to your voting location - BE INFORMED. Learn about the issues and candidates. Seek out resources for comprehensive information about the candidates and their stand on the most important issues for you.
To find resources - VOTE. Tuesday, November 4 is Election Day. Get out and vote! Voting places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Remember, if you are voting for the first time, you must show valid ID.
REGISTER
Here's what you need to know and do:
If you have NOT moved since the last time you voted, you are already registered.
If you have NEVER voted or you have moved since the last time you voted, you must register.
The deadline to register for Pennsylvania residents is Monday, October 6.
Registration requirements:
In order to register to vote, you must...
- be a U.S. citizen
- have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 30 days
- be at least 18 years old by November 4
- have valid forms of Identification
Ways to register:
- In person. Your local/county voter registration office help you to register and can provide information on registering by mail or online.
To find your local office:
WEB: www.dos.state.pa.us/voting/cwp/view.asp?a=1195&q=443005&votingNav=|
PHONE: 717-787-5280
EMAIL: ST-VOTERREG@state.pa.us - By mail.
To learn how to register by mail:
WEB: www.dos.state.pa.us/voting/cwp/view.asp?a=1192&q=442984
PHONE: 717-787-5280
EMAIL: ST-VOTERREG@state.pa.us - Online.
To register online:
WEB: https://www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx - PennDOT and other government agencies/offices conduct voter registration.
For a list of these agencies:
WEB: www.dos.state.pa.us/voting/cwp/view.asp?a=1192&q=443061
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VOTING LOCATION
Well before Election Day, find your voting location and be sure it meets your accessibility needs.
To find your voting place:
WEB: www.dos.state.pa.us/voting/cwp/view.asp?a=1195&q=443005&votingNav=| PHONE: 717-787-5280 EMAIL: ST-VOTERREG@state.pa.us« top of page
ABSENTEE BALLOT
If you need to vote by absentee ballot apply for it NOW! An absentee ballot may be used if:
- your voting location is not accessible for you
- you are unable to travel to your voting location on Election Day
- you will be away from home.
The application is available for download.
WEB: www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us/Pages/AbsenteeBallotForm.aspx
Or, contact your county voter registration office. To find your local office:
WEB: www.dos.state.pa.us/voting/cwp/view.asp?a=1195&q=443005&votingNav=|
PHONE: 717-787-5280
EMAIL: ST-VOTERREG@state.pa.us
The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is October 26. All absentee ballots must be completed and received by the County Board of Elections by October 29 in order to count.
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TRANSPORTATION/ASSISTANCE
If you need assistance traveling to your voting place, make the arrangements at least a week before Election Day, November 4.
For resources regarding transportation to your voting location, contact the Institute on Disabilities:
PHONE: 215-204-1356
EMAIL: iod@temple.edu
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BE INFORMED.
Learn about the issues and candidates and exercise your right to vote.
Tips On Becoming A Well Informed Voter:
- Decide what's important to you and what would make you vote for one candidate over another. Make a list of the issues you're most concerned about and what you think elected officials should do on each one.
- Rank the issues on your list from most to least important.
- Learn more about each of the issues, particularly those you rank at the top of your list.
- Find out where the candidates stand on the issues you care about most.
- Based on your own views and what you know on the issues, find out where the candidates stand on them.
- Decide which candidate is most likely to share and your views and interests.
Resources for Becoming a Well Informed Voter:
Here are a few websites that provide information on major issues and concerns as well as candidates' positions:
League of Women Voters: www.dnet.org
American Association of People with Disabilities: www.aapd-dc.org/News/election/peac2008.php
Project Vote Smart: www.vote-smart.org
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Approved Forms of Identification
Approved forms of photo identification (ID must be valid)
- PA driver's license or ID card issued by PennDOT
- ID issued by any other Commonwealth agency
- ID issued by the U.S. Government
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Armed Forces ID
- Student ID or Employee ID Approved forms of non-photo identification (ID must include your name and address)
- Voter's identification card issued by the voter registration commission
- Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth or the U.S. Government
- Firearm permit
- Current utility bill, bank statement or paycheck