About VoteSafe PA
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. Because of COVID-19, it is unlikely that polling locations will operate as usual in November, especially given the potential resurgence of the novel coronavirus this fall. That is why VoteSafe PA is working hard to ensure that every Pennsylvanian feels safe to vote in the upcoming General Election.
We are living in an extraordinary time when health, safety, and security are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. VoteSafe PA is a diverse coalition comprising community leaders, nonprofit organizations and election experts who all want the same things — an efficient, accessible, secure mail-in ballot process and safe, in-person voting sites that ensure Pennsylvanians won’t have to risk their health for simply standing
in line to vote.
Nobody in the Keystone State should have to choose between their health and their right to vote. Our mission is to protect every Pennsylvania voter by expanding safe voting options for the 2020 election. We also want to educate eligible voters about safe voting procedures and inform them about the new reforms taking effect this year, so every Pennsylvanian knows what options are available to them.
VoteSafe PA is led by Former Majority Leader Dave Reed (R) and Former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D).
Every Pennsylvanian has the right to vote safely and securely.
Voting Information for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of State Elections Information
Pennsylvania’s Official Voter Information Site – VotesPA is a comprehensive site to help you learn about elections
in the commonwealth and can help you with key voting activities, such as registering to vote online, applying for
an absentee or mail-in ballot, checking your registration status, or updating your voter registration.
Voter Registration
The deadline to register to vote is 15 days before the election. Monday, Oct. 19 is the last day eligible voters may
register for the 2020 General Election.
The online registration application is available here.
If you prefer to print and mail, or hand deliver, the application to your local county election office, use this link.
The paper application includes the mailing addresses for all county offices, and the find the contact information
online, click here.
If you provide an e-mail address when registering, you will receive an e-mail with your application tracking
number that will allow you to follow your registration application status online.
In addition to registering to vote online and through an application to your local county election office, you may
also register at a number of state government offices, including:
- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) photo or driver’s license center when obtaining or updating your driver’s license. This link will help you locate an open PennDOT office near you.
- State offices that provide public assistance and services to persons with disabilities.
- Armed forces recruitment centers.
- County Clerk of Orphans’ Court offices, including each marriage license bureau.
- Area agencies on aging.
- Centers for independent living.
- County mental health and mental retardation offices.
- Student disability services offices of the State System of Higher Education Offices of Special Education.
- DA complementary paratransit offices.
- Any agency using the state’s Compass application.
Mail-in and Absentee Ballots
You currently may apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot until one week before the election. You must submit the
application by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. To access the online applications, click here. Paper applications are also
available for mail-in (click here) and absentee (click here) ballots. Paper forms are available in Spanish for both
mail-in applications and absentee applications.
Registered voters may apply for a mail-in ballot without a specified reason.
The absentee ballot application requires listing the reason for the request. Qualified electors who may apply for
an absentee ballot include:
- Voters who will be out of the municipality on Election Day.
- College students who are not registered to vote at their school addresses.
- Those with a disability or illness that prevents them from going to their polling location.
- Members of the military.
- Those who may have a conflict due to the celebration of a religious holiday.
- Inmates who haven’t been convicted of a felony.
Members of the military, their families, and citizens residing outside of the U.S. may also vote by absentee ballot.
These individuals apply using the federal form.
It is important to note that county election offices currently must receive all voted mail-in and absentee ballots by
8 p.m. on Election Day.