No matter where we come from in Pennsylvania, from the Pocono Mountains to the Steel Valley, Lake Erie to the Delaware River, all of us can agree that the freedom to make our voices heard at the ballot box is important.

Voting allows us to elect leaders who represent our communities, protect our rights, and deliver on the things that matter most: our families, our jobs and schools, and our communities. 

Voting has never been more convenient and secure in Pennsylvania. Despite all the noise, our freedom to vote is protected because many of our leaders believe in democracy and have expanded access to the ballot box. All eligible voters in Pennsylvania have the freedom to choose whether to vote in person or by mail. And it’s never been easier to register or vote. 

We can all prove that democracy is strong by making our voices heard in 2022. Your vote is your voice: Use it. 

Make a plan to vote whatever way is best for you

Democracy is alive and well in Pennsylvania. In 2022, you can prove it by registering to vote and by requesting your mail-in ballot today.

Dates to Remember

2022 General Election: Nov. 8
Last day to register to vote: Oct. 24
Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot, or to vote early in person: Nov. 1 by 5 p.m.
Mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must be received by the County Board of Elections by Nov. 8 by 8 p.m.
General Election Day/hours: Nov. 8, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

How to return vote-by-mail ballots

Don’t vote naked! Put ballots in the secrecy envelope!

  • Put your ballot in the smaller secrecy envelope and seal it. This is the envelope that only says “Official Election Ballot.”
  • Put the smaller secrecy envelope in the larger ballot-return envelope. This is the envelope with space for your address on the front and the “Voter’s Declaration.”

Sign and date, and don’t be late!

  • Complete the entire “Voter’s Declaration” on the ballot-return envelope. Make sure to sign and date it.
  • Seal the ballot-return envelope.

Return it by mail or drop box or in person!

  • By mail: Add a stamp if needed and drop it in the mail.
  • USPS will still deliver ballots with missing or inadequate postage.
  • In person: Drop off at your County Board of Elections, a satellite voting location, or at a secure drop box.
  • If you’re physically unable to apply for, obtain, or return your mail-in ballot, you may designate a family member or friend to act as your agent.
    • Agent must fill out designation form found here:
      • https://www.vote.pa.gov/Resources/Documents/Authorize-Designated-Agent-for-Mail-in-or-Absentee-Ballot.pdf

EARLY VOTING

As soon as ballots are ready, you can request, receive, vote, and cast your mail-in or absentee ballot all in one visit to your county election board or other officially designated site.

With this option, there is no need for mail at all, and you can cast your vote at your convenience. Learn more about voting early in person by mail-in or absentee ballot.

VOTING ON ELECTION DAY

Voters should check their polling place, as locations may have changed. Use vote.pa/polls as a shortcut.

If you did not return your mail-in or absentee ballot and you want to vote in person, you have two options:

  • Bring your ballot and the pre-addressed outer return envelope to your polling place to be voided. After you surrender your ballot and envelope and sign a declaration, you can then vote a regular ballot.
  • If you don’t surrender your ballot and return the envelope, you can vote only by provisional ballot at your polling place. Your county election board will then verify that you did not vote by mail before counting your provisional ballot.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If it is 8 p.m. and you are still in line, stay in line. You are permitted to vote as long as you are in line by 8 p.m.

Other Resources