Voting is how we hold elected officials accountable when they leave communities behind or bow to corporate interests. Most Americans want to protect the right for every eligible voter’s voice to be heard. That’s why it’s so important for everyone in our state to be aware of their rights as a voter, how to register/re-register to vote, how to apply for a Mail-In Ballot, and the deadlines to do so. This is a quick reference guide to make sure everyone who is eligible to vote can vote.
You are eligible to vote in Pennsylvania if you:
- have been an American Citizen for at least 1 month before the Election, and
- have been a resident of PA and the district you plan to vote in for at least 30 days, and
- are 18 years old or will be on Election Day.
To register to vote, go to: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx. You must be registered no later than 15 days prior to the next election (October 19 for the 2026 General Election). You can also check your registration status here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/voterregistrationstatus.aspx.
After you’re registered, or if you haven’t voted in a while or have moved, you need to locate your polling place, which can be found here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/pollingplaceinfo.aspx. Be aware that several polling places in Washington and Greene Counties have consolidated or moved in recent years: it’s always a good idea to double check before Election Day just in case!
If you are voting for the first time in a polling location, you need to bring some form of identification with you. You can find what forms of identification are accepted here: https://www.pa.gov/services/vote/find-your-local-polling-place#accordion-32a5cf851f-item-4491aa0170. Generally, your driver’s license, passport, or your Voter Registration card will work!
Any eligible voter may vote by Mail if they choose, if you are interested, you can apply for a Mail-In Ballot here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote/voter-support/mail-in-and-absentee-ballot. Applications must be submitted no later than 7 days prior to the next Election (October 27 for the 2026 General Election). The Mail-In Ballot must be received by the County Election Office no later than 8 PM on Election Day (November 3 for the 2026 General Election). If there is a week or less remaining until Election Day, it’s suggested you return your mail-in ballot to your County Election Office yourself or vote in-person to ensure your ballot is received on time and counted.
When returning a Mail-In Ballot to the County Election Office, you may only return your own ballot unless you have been designated as a proxy via this form here: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/vote/resources/documents-and-forms/Authorize-Designated-Agent-for-Mail-in-or-Absentee-Ballot.pdf.This form can be used by those with disabilities that prevent them from voting in person. I, just know that Every polling location must have an accessible polling system, so if you have a disability and wish to vote at your polling location, you should be able to do so. If you cannot get into the booth or access the voting machine, you may have someone assist you.
Didn’t receive your Mail-In Ballot or you won’t be able to get it to the County Election Office before the 8 PM deadline on Election Day? Don’t worry, you may return your Mail-In Ballot to your polling location and vote in person via a Provisional Ballot. You can find more information about voting by Provisional Ballot here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote/voter-support/provisional-ballot.
Polling locations have rules that every voter and worker must follow: be vigilant, and if you notice violations, you should report them to the Judge of Elections on-site or to the Voter Hotline 1-877-VOTESPA (868-3772). Some issues to keep an eye out for are:
- NO campaign signs or literature may be placed or handed out within 10 feet of the polling location entrance.
- If someone tries to coerce your vote within 10 feet of the polling location entrance.
- If someone tries to bar your entrance to the polling location.
- If someone offers to pay you to vote one way or the other.
- If you suspect that any voting rules are being violated.
If we all remain vigilant and speak up when we see something suspicious, we can be sure that our vote is safe and our elections are secure. In the words of Margaret Meade, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.