13 Days Till the Election!

Whether you're obsessed with the election or ready for it to be over, your vote still matters on Election Day. As we approach November 8, here's some information to help you prepare for casting your ballot.

***If you have any issues on Election Day, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE. 

Issues may include (but are not limited to): being told the wrong date/time to vote; not being allowed to cast a provisional ballot; being intimidated or challenged at the polls. 

Be sure to bring this number with you when you vote!***

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 or https://g.co/kgs/OdzMlN.

Who is Running for Office?

On November 8, you can vote for President, US Senator, State Attorney General, and several other races. Pennsylvania will also have at least one ballot question regarding the retirement age for judges. You may be able to find a list of people running on your ballot at vote411.org/ballot (hosted by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters) or through a new nonpartisan site, BallotReady.

Will I Need Voter ID?

IN MOST CASES, YOU WILL NOT NEED IDENTIFICATION TO VOTE IN THE PENNSYLVANIA 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 The Voter ID law has been overturned and is no longer in effect.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, submitting an absentee ballot, or 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. Acceptable forms of identification for absentee voters are available here.

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 with your county or by mail.

How Do I Vote Absentee?

If you can't make it to your polling place in person on Election Day, you may be able to vote by absentee ballot. To do so, you must request an absentee ballot by November 1, 2016. In certain emergency cases (such as unexpected illness or disability), you can submit an emergency application for an absentee ballot no later than 5 PM on the Friday before Election Day. You will need approved identification to vote absentee.

To vote by absentee ballot, you must already be registered in Pennsylvania. Learn more about the process and download your application here.

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.

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.

Can I Vote Early?

Pennsylvania does not have early voting provisions. If you cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, please request an Absentee Ballot before November 1, 2016. In certain emergency cases (such as unexpected illness or disability), you can submit an emergency application for an absentee ballot no later than 5 PM on the Friday before Election Day. To vote by absentee ballot, you must already be registered in Pennsylvania. Learn more about the process and download your application here.

What if I Don't Have Transportation to the Polls?

Many organizations offer transportation on Election Day. Election Protection offers a list of ride opportunities under the "Getting to the Polls" tab. You can also do a search for "I need a ride to vote."

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