Voting

Pennsylvania holds a General Election every November and Primary Elections in the spring. To vote in any election, your registration must be received at least 15 days beforehand.

Who can register

To register to vote in Pennsylvania, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen for at least 30 days before the election;
• Be a resident of Pennsylvania and your election district for at least 30 days before the election; and
• Be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day.

How and when

Your registration application must be received at least 15 days before the election. You can register:

• Online through PA Voter Services;
• By mail; or
• In person at the Allegheny County voter-registration office or a PennDOT location.

Voter ID

Pennsylvania does not require ID at every election, but there are rules for new voters:

• First-time voters at a polling place must show proof of identification:
  • Photo ID — PA driver's license or PennDOT ID, U.S. passport, military ID, student ID, or employee ID.
  • Non-photo ID (must show your name and current address) — a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check.
• Returning voters who have already voted at their current polling place do not need to show ID.

Special circumstances

• Recent move: if you move within Pennsylvania fewer than 30 days before an election, vote at the polling place for your previous address.
• Criminal records: people with past felony convictions can vote as long as they are not currently incarcerated for a felony. Those on probation or parole, awaiting trial, or under house arrest remain eligible to vote.