The last-minute guide to voter registration in Pennsylvania

Today, Monday, Oct. 21, is the final day you can register to vote in Pennsylvania if you want to participate in this year’s general election, which takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 5. So if you haven’t yet registered, or you need to update your registration in any way, today is the last day you can do so. 

Below, City & State rounds up some important voter registration information ahead of the commonwealth’s voter registration deadline. 

Where can I register to vote or update my voter registration information?

The Pennsylvania Department of State’s vote.pa.gov website has a wealth of information related to voting and elections in the commonwealth, including a dedicated page with information on how to register or update your registration information. 

How can I check my voter registration status?

If you’re unsure about the status of your voter registration, the Department of State has a handy tool that you can use to check your registration information, available at this link. Through this tool, you can search for your registration by name or by the number on your driver’s license or Pennsylvania Department of Transportation ID. 

What to know if you’re a first-time voter

If you’re voting for the first time in Pennsylvania, you must bring a photo ID or non-photo ID with you to the polls. 

You can also look up your polling place using this locator from the Department of State. On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you will still be allowed to cast your vote when the polls close.

More information for first-time voters is available on the Department of State’s website here. 

Voting by mail in Pennsylvania

In addition to voting in person on Election Day, Pennsylvania voters may also vote by mail. 

Pennsylvania’s Election Code provides for no-excuse mail-in voting in the commonwealth, meaning any voter can vote using a mail-in ballot without providing a reason. 

For voters who will not be in their municipality on Election Day, as well as those who have a disability or illness that prevents them from going to their polling place on the day of the election, voters can request an absentee ballot, which requires voters to provide a reason why they want to vote by mail. 

You can apply for a mail or absentee ballot online at this link. You can also apply for a mail or absentee ballot through the mail, as well as at your local county election office. 

Mail-in ballot applications must be received by your local county election office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and your mail ballot must be received by your county election office by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. More information about mail and absentee ballots can be found on the Department of State’s website.