Guide
Did you know that any eligible voter in Pennsylvania can vote by mail? That’s right! With just a few simple steps, you can ensure your voice is heard without the hassle of waiting in line on Election Day.
Step 1: Request Your Mail-In Ballot
The first thing you need to do is request your mail-in ballot. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Tuesday, October 29. But don’t wait! Do it now. You have three options to apply for a mail ballot:
1. Online: Visit vote.pa.gov to request your ballot easily.
2. By Mail: Fill out a form and send it in.
3. In Person: Head to your county election office for assistance.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Ballot
When your ballot arrives, take your time to make your selections carefully. Here’s how to prepare it for submission:
1. Place the completed ballot in the secrecy envelope.
2. Then, put the secrecy envelope inside the return envelope.
3. Don’t forget to sign and date the return envelope where indicated! If you skip this step, your vote won’t count.
Step 3: Return Your Ballot
Now that your ballot is ready, it’s time to return it. You have several options:
● By Mail: Drop your return envelope in a mailbox.
● In Person: Bring it to your county election office.
● Drop Box: In some counties, you can also use designated mail ballot drop boxes.
Important Note
If you’re returning your ballot in person, remember that you can only return your own ballot. However, if you have a disability, you can designate someone to return it on your behalf. Learn how at the Pa. Department of State website.
Final Deadline
Make sure your county receives your ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day. This is crucial for ensuring that your vote counts! If it’s getting close to Election Day, November 5, and you don’t want to risk the postal service not delivering your ballot on time, you can hand deliver your ballot to your county’s elections office. Some counties also provide drop boxes, which provide direct delivery to the elections office. Find out where your county accepts hand delivery at this link.
Need Help?
If you encounter any voting problems or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for assistance.
Get Ready to Vote!
As we approach November 5th, remember the rallying cry, “Todos PA’ las Urnas!” Make sure your vote counts and participate in shaping the future of your community.
For additional resources on voting rights and information, visit ACLU-PA’s Voting Rights page.
