​While we know there may be a rush to predict the outcome of the election, we are prioritizing accuracy and security above all else. We want PA voters to know that their votes will be accurately counted and verified.  Results of some races may not be known on the night of the election.

The Department of State is working closely with counties to implement time-saving measures allowed in election legislation passed in 2019 and 2020. These measures include a central process for tabulating mail ballots and allowing counties to begin processing and tabulating mail ballots at 7 a.m. on Election Day.

Though timely tabulation of votes is a priority, the number one priority of the Department of State and counties is making sure each ballot is counted accurately and securely.

Finally, when it comes to results and any other election-related information, make sure you are getting your information from trusted sources, such as our website. 

​We strongly encourage voters to wear masks for their own safety and out of respect for other voters and for the dedicated poll workers staffing the polling places. Voters who are not wearing a mask will not be denied their right to vote.

1. No.
2. The Department of State has confidence in the security of Pennsylvania's election process and mail-in ballot system. 
   

Each mail ballot packet sent to a voter has a unique ID number. That same number is also printed on the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign. When either type of mail ballot (absentee or mail-in) is received and pre-canvassed, the unique ID is scanned into the statewide system. To issue a second ballot to a voter, the county must first cancel the ballot initially issued to the voter. In other words, each voter can receive only one ballot. If a voter attempts to vote a second ballot, the system will flag that there is already a vote from that voter.

If a voter returns a mail ballot, their record is marked, and that notation is included on the poll book to ensure that poll workers are aware that the voter's ballot has been cast. The department also updated the poll book format to remove the names of voters who have returned their ballots and, instead, print their names in a separate list at the end of the poll book. Those voters can only vote at a polling place by means of a provisional ballot, which is reviewed by the county after the election. If the county determines that a voter did, in fact, already cast a mail ballot, the voter's provisional ballot will not be counted.

1. No.
2. Many voter education and get-out-the-vote organizations send mail ballot information and applications to Pennsylvania voters. For that reason, you may receive multiple applications. Returning more than one application will result in additional workload for the election staff in your county office, but you will still be sent only one ballot.
3. In addition, voters have reported receiving mail ballots even though they did not apply for them. In nearly all cases, these voters opted to be added to the annual mail ballot list when they applied for a mail ballot for the primary. Opting into this list means that your county will send you a ballot for all elections within that calendar year.
4. If you would like to receive a mail ballot, the Department of State recommends using the official absentee or mail-in ballot application available on votesPA.com.
   

You must go to your correct polling place to vote. However, if you insist you are eligible to vote at that polling place, you may vote using a provisional ballot.

Yes. If this happens, you have the right to vote using a provisional ballot.

Yes, voters must apply every year to receive ballots in the mail for the remainder of the year (and through the third Monday in February of the following year). If you are on the annual list, your county board of elections will mail an annual application to you in February of each year. Complete and return that application to receive ballots for each election in which you are eligible to vote that year.

1. No. The only exceptions are if you are a voter with a disability and have designated someone, in writing, to deliver your ballot, or if you need an emergency absentee ballot.
2. Return your own ballot as soon as you receive it.  Mail it or deliver it in person to your county board of elections or other location designated by your county board of elections.
   

1. It depends on whether you asked to be an annual voter on your primary ballot application. 
2. If yes, you do not need to reapply. If no, you do.
3. If you're not sure, contact your county board of elections.
   

1. Check the status of your ballot online at votespa.com/mailballotstatus.
2. Contact your county election office: votespa.com/county.
3. If you did not receive your mail ballot, you may request to vote a provisional ballot at your polling place on Election Day: https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Voting-at-a-Polling-Place.aspx
   

1. When you receive your mail-in or absentee ballot, make sure you read all the instructions, and make sure you vote both sides of the ballot, if applicable.
2. Put your voted ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates official ballot. Do NOT make any marks on the secrecy envelope.
3. Then put the secrecy envelope inside the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter signs.
4. Sign the declaration and enter today's date and seal the outer envelope.
5. Return your mail ballot to your county board of elections by mail, in person or drop it off at another location designated by your county board of elections.
6. If you return your ballot by mail, you need a postage stamp for the envelope.
   

Yes, if a voter is unable to complete their mail-in or absentee ballot independently, they may receive assistance from a person they choose.

Pennsylvania has also implemented an accessible remote ballot-marking solution for mail voting. More information is available on votesPA.com or by calling 1-877-VOTES-PA (1-877-868-3772).

​Yes. If you don't want to receive mail ballots for a specific year, just don't return the application you receive from your county. You'll be able to vote in-person, on Election Day, using a regular ballot.

​Yes. You will receive an application every year until you cancel your annual mail-in or absentee status or move to another county and do not request to transfer your status to the new county.

1. No.
2. If you received a mail ballot but did not complete it, you may surrender your ballot  along with both envelopes at your polling place and vote a regular ballot.
3. If you did vote your ballot and you returned it to your county board of elections, you are not eligible to vote at your polling place. If you believe that you are eligible to vote in person, you can vote by provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will be reviewed by the county board of elections after Election Day.
4. If you requested a mail ballot but did not receive it or do not have it to surrender at your polling place, you may vote by provisional ballot at your polling place.
5. Remember that it is unlawful to fraudulently vote more than once in the same election. 
   

​Yes. Contact your county board of elections to update your registration and request to maintain your annual mail ballot status or have your existing mail ballot application transferred.

1. All PA voters can cast their ballot by mail.
1. Apply online today at votesPA.com.
2. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
3. You do not need an excuse to apply for a mail-in ballot.
2. Vote at your county election office.
1. Once your county's ballots are finalized and printed, you can go to your county election office, apply for a mail ballot, vote your ballot, and submit your ballot in the same visit.
3. Vote in person at your polling place on Election Day.
1. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
2. Find your polling place at votesPA.com
   

Yes. There are four ballot questions on the municipal primary ballot, three of which are proposed constitutional amendments. All registered voters – regardless of party – can vote on these questions.

Additionally,  there will be special elections in two state Senate districts and two state House districts. All registered voters in those districts will be able to vote for their new state senator or House representative. 

You can check your voter registration status online. You can also contact your county's election and voter registration officials, or call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).

If you are already registered to vote, you do not have to register again in Pennsylvania unless you changed your address, changed your name, or want to change your political party.

Call the Pennsylvania Department of State's election hotline at 1-877-VOTES-PA for assistance. Telephone interpreters are available. 

1. Sign up to be a poll worker.
2. Check before you share information on social media.
1. Unfortunately, in every election cycle, dishonest sources deliberately spread false information to try to suppress the vote.
2.  They use social media to amplify their disinformation.
3. Rely only on trusted, official sources of information, such as votespa.com and help inform others.
4. On social media, look for the Department's hashtags - #votesPA and #TrustedInfo.
3. Vote!