Pennsylvania Voters Have Protections & Options for Election Day

Pennsylvania voters will head to the polls on Election Day with several legal protections and backup options to make sure their ballots count. State and federal laws protect residents from intimidation while offering provisional ballots and assistance for those who need help casting votes.

Anyone in line by 8 p.m. has the right to cast a ballot. Polls open at 7 a.m. Closing time is 8 p.m.

Most voters in the state don't need to show identification at their polling place. Only first-time voters at a given location must present ID. Acceptable types include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or other documents showing both name and address that match voter registration.

Voters without the required ID can go back home to get it or request a provisional ballot. Poll workers use these ballots when questions come up about eligibility. County staff will verify registration status after counting all other ballots. Residents can check whether their provisional ballot was accepted using the state website's search function.

Those who need assistance have the right to bring someone to help them vote. This includes people who need translation services or other support. The helper can't be an employer, union representative, or judge of elections.

Every polling location must have at least one accessible voting system for people with disabilities. These machines may include audio features, tactile keys, and other assistive technology. Residents unable to access their polling location can vote via an alternative ballot until polls close.

Mail ballot applicants who changed their minds have two paths forward. Those with their ballot and both envelopes can bring them to their polling place and ask workers to "spoil" them before voting in the regular way. People who lost their mail ballot or never received it can fill out a provisional ballot at their precinct.

Residents who want to complete mail ballots must drop them off at their county election office by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. Mailing ballots at this point won't work because they must be received by the deadline. Postmarks don't count.

Criminal convictions don't prevent most people from casting ballots. Only those currently incarcerated for a felony or convicted of violating the state Election Code within four years can't vote. People on probation or parole can participate.

Residents who moved within the state less than 30 days before Nov. 4 should vote at their old polling place. Those who moved earlier but haven't updated their registration can use their old address for one election before they must update it.

The state allows ballot selfies but warns voters to avoid showing other people's selections. "Voters who want to take a picture of themselves voting take care that they not disclose the selections of voters other than themselves," according to Spotlight PA. 

The Attorney General's office recommends waiting until after leaving the polling place to post photos on social media.

Voter intimidation remains illegal under both state and federal law. Threats count as intimidation tactics. So do interrogation and being photographed or recorded at polling locations. Anyone who experiences or witnesses these actions should report them to their county election office or call the state voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA.