Congratulations on your first time voting! Below are tips to help you prepare and know what to expect going into the polls. Find Your Polling Place You can find your polling place online on the Where to Vote page of this Web site. Your polling place is also listed on your Voter Certification card that you received from the county after registering. Know When Polling Places Open and Close In Pennsylvania, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring Identification All voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show proof of identification. Approved forms of photo identification include:
If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a non-photo identification that includes your name and address. Approved forms of non-photo identification include:
If you are voting for the first time in your county and you intend to vote by absentee ballot, please include a copy of a form of identification with your voter registration application. Otherwise, you will be required by federal law to include a copy of a form of identification with your absentee ballot. Learn more about voting by absentee ballot. If you do not bring your ID on Election Day, vote with a provisional ballot. Don’t leave without voting!
Voter Certification Card You are not registered to vote until your application has been processed and accepted by the County Voter Registration Office. If accepted, the County Voter Registration Office will send you, via nonforwardable mail, a Voter Certification Card. If you do not receive a Voter Certification Card within 14 days of the date you submit this application, contact your County Voter Registration Office. Getting Assistance While Voting Voters who have a disability, have physical limitations or have limited English proficiency can ask for assistance at the polling place. Voters may also contact their County Voter Registration Office before Election Day to ask for assistance. What To Do If You Have a Complaint On Election Day, most complaints can be handled by the Judge of Elections at your polling place. However, for some complaints concerning regulation of Election Day activities, contact your County Board of Elections. If you feel that a violation of Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur, you may file a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Any voter who wishes to file a formal complaint may visit the HAVA (Help America Vote Act) site to download a “Title III Complaint Form” or request a complaint form at the polling place. Finding Out More Information Please call 1-877-VOTESPA (877-868-3772).