Pennsylvania: Election Tools, Deadlines, Dates, Rules, and Links

Pennsylvania absentee ballots

• Absentee ballot application deadlines

  • In Person: Received 7 days before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received 7 days before Election Day.
  • Online: Received by 5pm on the first Tuesday before Election Day.

• Voted absentee ballots are due

  Received by 8pm on Election Day.

• Absentee ballot rules

  Pennsylvania voters have different options to vote by mail including absentee and mail-in ballot.

  Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request a mail-in ballot without a reason.

  Alternatively, a voter may also request an absentee ballot in Pennsylvania if the voter is:

  • A college student who is not registered to vote at their school address. 
  • Serving in the US military or the spouse or dependent of someone serving in the US military who expects to be absent on Election Day.
  • A member of a religious or welfare group attached to and serving with the armed forces or the spouse or a dependent resident with or accompanying them, who expect to be absent on election day.
  • A member of the Merchant Marine or the spouse or dependent resident with or accompanying a Merchant Marine, who expects to be absent on Election Day.
  • Unable to attend your polling place or operate a voting machine and obtain assistance by distinct and audible statements because of illness or physical disability.
  • Will not attend a polling place on Election Day because of observance of a religious holiday.
  • A county employee who expects your Election Day duties will prevent you from voting.
  • A qualified war veteran who is bedridden or hospitalized due to illness or physical disability and is unable to attend their polling place because of such illness of physical disability.
  • A spouse or dependent accompanying a person employed by the Commonwealth or the federal government, in the event that the employee’s duties, occupation or business on election day require them to be absent. 
  • An inmate who has not been convicted of a felony. 

• How to get an absentee ballot in Pennsylvania

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. If it's close to the deadline, call and see if your Local Election Office will let you fax or email the application.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

• Once you get your absentee ballot in Pennsylvania

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  4. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.