Voting is one of the most critical rights granted to us as U.S. citizens and I wanted to remind you that Primary Election Day is May 21st.
Below is information you may find useful concerning voting in Pennsylvania.
Identification
If you are voting for the first time in a polling place, Pennsylvania law requires voters present approved identification.
Acceptable photo identification includes, PA driver’s license or ID card issued by PennDOT, ID issued by any other Commonwealth agency, ID issued by the U.S. Government, U.S. Passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID, Student ID, or an employee ID.
Acceptable non-photo identification forms includes voter’s identification card issued by the voter registration commission, non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth, non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government, firearm permit, current utility bill, current bank statement, current paycheck, or a government check. Non-photo ID must include your name and address.
If you don’t have any of these items at the polls, you can still request a provisional ballot.
If you are not voting for the first time in a polling place, you may be asked to present identification, but it is not required.
Election Day Hours: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line at 8 p.m., you can vote!
How to Vote: Voting systems vary county by county in Pennsylvania. For more information on the system used in your county or city visit the Pennsylvania Department of State’s web page on county voting systems.
Polling Place Locations: The location of your polling place is listed on your voter identification card. If you are unsure of your polling place location contact your local board of elections or visit: http://guide.seventy.org/.
Look for information: Polling stations are required to provide public notice of voting rights, information on how to use the voting machines, and information on how to file a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated.
Ask questions: Polling workers are on hand to answer questions you may have concerning your right to vote and the voting process. If you have questions about how to use a voting machine or would like to request a provisional ballot, ask a polling worker for help. Polling workers can also direct you to the correct polling place if you are at the wrong voting precinct.
Provisional voting: If your name doesn’t appear on the voter registration list or you have forgotten to bring an ID to the polls, under Pennsylvania law you can still vote by asking for a provisional ballot. After you have completed the provisional ballot, you will be provided with a provisional ballot receipt that will include information on how you can check to see if your vote counted. Within three days after the election, Pennsylvania county or city election officials will review the ballot to determine whether or not it counted. You should contact the phone number listed on the provisional ballot receipt to check if your ballot was counted or disqualified. You will be asked for the identification number listed on your provisional ballot, so remember to keep your provisional ballot receipt.
Useful phone numbers and Web sites for additional information:
Montgomery County Board of Elections
Phone: 610-278-3275
Philadelphia City Commissioners
Phone: 215-686-3460
Pennsylvania Department of State
Phone: 1-877-868-3772
Election Assistance Commission
Phone: 1-866-747-1471
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Voting Section
Phone: 1-800-253-3931
