How do you find your designated polling place?

Pennsylvania voters can enter their registered address and zip code into the online search tool provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State to find their designated polling place. Pennsylvania voters can also call their county election office to find their designated polling place. Other states, such as New Jersey and New York, have similar online resources.

What should you bring to your polling place?

In Pennsylvania, when voting in a new polling place for the first time, voters must either bring a valid form of photo identification or a non-photo ID that includes a name and Pennsylvania address. Examples of photo IDs include a student ID or Pennsylvania driver’s license, while non-photo IDs could be a paycheck or utility bill.

The full list of valid forms of photo and non-photo ID can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website. If you are voting at a polling place you have used before, no ID is required.

What can you expect once you arrive to vote?

Once a poll worker checks you in, they will escort you to the ballot machine. In Philadelphia County, voters will be using the ES&S ExpressVote XL machine. The poll worker will walk you through how to use it, but a “how-to” guide and instructional video can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website as well. 

When should you go to your polling place?

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Pennsylvania, but you will be allowed to vote after the polls close as long as you are in line at or before 8 p.m. Polls are typically busiest in the morning and evening, so try to go mid-day if you want to avoid the lines.

What can you do if you forget your ID or go to the wrong polling place?

If your name is not on the voter roster, or you cannot show ID but believe you are registered in the election district, you may have the right to request a provisional ballot, which will be counted within seven days if the county board of elections determines it to be eligible.

How else should you prepare to vote?

Susan Liebell, Ph.D., professor of political science, said polling locations can be confusing for college students who are moving around a lot, so students should contact three friends to ask about their plans.

“The most important thing is to have a plan with your friends,” Liebell said. “Make election day fun.”