Primary Day in PA 2016!

If you live in Pennsylvania, don't forget to vote on April 26! It is a critical time to cast your ballot on the issues that affect you. Your vote matters more than ever, especially when it comes to the policies that affect women, girls, and families like the ones we serve every day.

The following information is for people who are registered to vote in Pennsylvania. If you live in another state, or have questions that are not answered in this post, please visit http://www.vote411.org/.

***If you have any issues on Election Day, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Be sure to bring this number with you to the polls!***

Who is Running for Office?

On April 26, you can vote in the primaries for President, US Senator, State Attorney General, and many other races. Some municipalities may also have special ballot questions. You may be able to find a list of people running on your ballot at http://www.vote411.org/ballot. This ballot may not include local races and delegates - check information on voting in your county to learn more.

***Who are Delegates and Why Are They on My Ballot?***

At the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, delegates will help make the final decision on who is nominated for President. Pennsylvanians vote on delegates to represent the Commonwealth. Each party allocates delegates in different ways - you can read more at Ballotpedia.

If you are voting in the primary as a Democrat, you can find the Presidential candidate supported by each delegate next to their names.

If you are voting in the primary as a Republican, the ballots will not show the candidate supported by each delegate. The Patriot-News has a list of delegates and who they support here.

Will I Need Voter ID?

IN MOST CASES, YOU WILL NOT NEED IDENTIFICATION TO VOTE IN THE APRIL ELECTIONS. The Voter ID law has been overturned and is no longer in effect. Only first-time voters, voters using a new polling place, and voters using absentee ballots will need to provide ID.

If you are a first-time voter or if you are voting at a new polling place, you should bring an approved form of identification. To see all approved forms, visit the PA Department of State voting website.

Did I Need to Register to Vote?

In Pennsylvania, voters must be registered 30 days prior to each election. If you are not sure if you are registered, you can confirm your registration status in the Pennsylvania voter registration database. If you are not registered to vote in this election, please register for the next one today. In Pennsylvania, you can now register to vote online (!), or you may register in person or by mail.

What if I am Registered as an Independent?

Pennsylvania's primaries are closed, so you must be a party member to vote for a party’s candidate. In other words, you cannot vote for a Democratic candidate unless you are a registered Democrat. If you are registered as an independent, you cannot vote for a Democratic or Republican presidential candidate.

Where is My Polling Place?

The Pennsylvania Department of State offers an online tool to help find your polling place. In Pennsylvania, the polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

You can find a demo of the voting machines used at your polling station here.

What Should I Bring With Me When I Go To Vote?

If you are a first-time voter or if you are voting at a new polling place, you should bring an approved form of identification. To see all approved forms, visit the PA Department of State voting website.

All voters may bring a list of candidates on the ballot and/or a list of key issues or specific proposals that are on the ballot.

If you have any issues on Election Day, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Be sure to bring this number with you to the polls!

What Are My Rights As a Voter?

Under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, it is illegal for any state or local government to discriminate against racial, ethnic or language minority groups by denying them the right to vote.

In Pennsylvania, you may ask for assistance to vote as long as that assistance is provided by someone other than your employer (or their agent), your union head (or their agent) or the Judge of Elections. You may choose the person who will assist you - polling workers do not have the right to choose that person for you. The first time you need assistance, you will need to fill out a form provided by the Election Official at your polling place. After the first time, there should be a notation by your registration record showing your request for assistance.

What if I Have Problems Voting?

If your name is not in the books at the polling place, or if you have any problems voting, please work with the Election officials to make sure you are at the right place. If you are at the correct polling place but your name is not on the books, you can vote by provisional ballot. The Board of Elections will examine the provisional ballots within seven days and will count the votes if you were properly registered and voting at the correct polling place. If you are having problems and are at the correct polling place, do not leave without casting a provisional ballot. Please check the VotesPA website for more on provisional ballots.

If you have any problems at the polls, please call 1-866-OURVOTE.