AccessMatters believes voting is a basic right that all people should be able to exercise without barriers. Elected officials influence the policies that directly impact the lives of ALL Pennsylvanians. They influence decisions on various issues related to access to sexual and reproductive health care and many other issues that impact people’s health and wellbeing. That’s why AccessMatters is a proud partner and supporter of National Voter Registration Day and the Committee of Seventy’s WeVote Initiative.
This year are the midterm elections, the gubernatorial election, and other races for seats across Pennsylvania that are critical to policymaking on sexual and reproductive health issues and directly impact people’s lives. AccessMatters is counting on your vote to protect and expand access to critical health care and information.
Guide to Voting in the November 2022 General Election
The important deadlines regarding voter registration and ballots are listed below. However, we encourage you to register or apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot as soon as possible to avoid delays and ensure your vote is counted!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Voter Registration – If you are already registered to vote in Pennsylvania, you do not have to register again unless you need to change your name, address, or political party.
To register to vote you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the next primary, special, municipal, or general election.
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which you want to register and vote for at least 30 days before the next primary, special, municipal, or general election.
- Be at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the next primary, special, municipal, or general election.
- You must register to vote by the October 24 deadline in order to vote by mail or in-person in the November 8 General Election.
- If you want to register to vote online, you must register by 11:59pm on October 24.
- To register by mail, you can print a form online and then send it to your county voter registration office by mail at least 15 days before the election. Registration forms are available in different languages.
- Check your registration status to make sure all of your personal information is updated.
- Note: If you do not receive your voter registration card in the mail within 14 days, please contact your county voter registration office.
General Election Voting
The general election day is on Tuesday, November 8. While the polls will be open throughout the state from 7am to 8pm, any registered voter now has the option to vote by mail!
- Voting at a Polling Place
- The polls will be open from 7am-8pm. You can find out your polling location here.
- If you are a first-time voter, you will be required to show a photo or non-photo I.D.
- Voting by Mail
- There are two types of mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania: absentee, which are for individuals who will be out of their municipality on Election Day or who have a disability or illness, and mail-in ballots, which are available to all qualified voters for any reason. You must apply to request a mail-in ballot online or by mail.
- Applying for a Mail-in Ballot or Absentee Ballot:
- Mail-in ballot and absentee ballot applications must be received by your county election office by 5pm on Tuesday, November 1. You can track the status of your mail-in application or ballot online as well!
- Completing Your Ballot Once You Receive It:
- Once you receive your mail-in ballot (after submitting your application by November 1), the completed ballot must be received by the County Board of Elections by 8pm on Tuesday, November 8.
- Note: You are encouraged to request a mail-in ballot and return the completed ballot prior to the deadline.
General Election Ballot
The following offices will appear on the November 8 ballot in Pennsylvania:
- U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senate
- State Governor
- State Executive Offices
- State Senate
- State House of Representatives
- Municipal Government
- Local Ballot Measures
If you want to learn more about what will be on your ballot, you can find more information and practice ballots at Vote 411.
Additional Resources
- Visit Votes PA for voter registration information, vote-by-mail information, and polling location information.
- Committee of Seventy’s WeVote Initiative: You can build your own ballot and find out more inforation about this year’s election.
- League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania
- Vote 411 offers a personalized ballot tool that provides you with information on the different candidates specific to your address.
- Report any issues to the Pennsylvania Department of State online or call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).
- From another state? Look into options available in your state for voting by mail, voting early, and more on http://qrco.de/regtovote.