Pennsylvania voting FAQ

In 2024, votes will be cast on issues and races that will set America’s direction for the coming years. The USA TODAY Network has everything you need to know to make the best choices for yourself and your family at the ballot box.

How do I register to vote?

Pennsylvanians can register to vote by mail or online with the Department of State. They can also do so in person at their county voter registration office, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office and at some other government agency sites. Once a registration is accepted, applicants receive a voter registration card by mail containing the person’s name, address, party affiliation and information about where the person is to vote. People are required to register using their home address. A person is not considered a resident of a county for simply owning property or a business there.

April 8 is the last day to register before the Pennsylvania primary, and Oct. 21 is the last day to register before the general election.

When are elections taking place this year?

• April 23: Presidential primary
• Nov. 5: General election

What key races are on the ballot this year?

In addition to the presidential race, voters in Pennsylvania will choose whether to give U.S. Sen. Bob Casey a fourth term. Political pundits and polling suggest he could face a test from Army veteran and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick, a Republican who lost the 2022 primary for the commonwealth’s other U.S. Senate seat.

Pennsylvania’s 17 members of Congress are up for reelection as well. Some of these races could fall under the national spotlight. Republicans have a slim majority in this chamber, and a handful of upsets could return control to the Democrats.

On the state level, row offices are up for grabs this cycle, as well. Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor and Treasurer Stacy Garrity, both Republicans, are up for reelection. Voters will also select their new top law enforcement officer, as appointed Democratic Attorney General Michelle Henry isn’t running for a full term.

In the General Assembly, half of the state Senate seats and all of the House of Representatives seats are on the ballot. Democrats can retake the Pennsylvania Senate by netting three more; Republicans can retake the Pennsylvania House by netting just one more.

What do I need to take to the polls?

If voting for the first time at a new location, Pennsylvanians need to bring proof of identification.

The acceptable forms of photo ID include:

• A Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID
• An ID issued by any commonwealth agency
• An ID issued by the U.S. government
• A U.S. passport
• A U.S. Armed Forces ID
• A student ID
• An employee ID

Acceptable non-photo IDs, which must include name and address, are:

• A confirmation from the county voter registration office
• A non-photo ID issued by the state
• A non-photo ID issued by the U.S. government
• A firearm permit
• A current utility bill
• A current bank statement
• A current paycheck
• A government check

What do I need to know about absentee voting?

Registered voters who are likely to be out of the area on the day of the election, or who have a disability or illness that could prevent them from going to the polling place, can request an absentee ballot. They will be asked to list a reason for needing this kind of ballot.

Pennsylvania voters can use no-excuse mail-in ballots, as well.

What are the deadlines for absentee voting?

Anyone voting by mail in the primary must apply for a ballot by April 16. Those ballots must be received by 8 p.m. the day of the primary, April 23.

Those voting by mail in the general election must apply for a ballot by Oct. 29, and those ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 5.

What about early voting?

Pennsylvanians can also vote early without bothering with the mail at all. Registered voters can apply for and complete mail-in ballots in person at the board of elections office for their county of residence.