How to vote by mail in Pennsylvania
With uncertainty rising around everything, including the 2020 elections, it is important for Pennsylvanians to remember that it is easier than ever to vote by mail.
In Pennsylvania, you now have two options for mail ballots. You may either choose a mail-in ballot or an absentee ballot to request, complete, and return to your county election office.
- Absentee ballot – If you plan to be out of the municipality on election day or if you have a disability or illness, you should request this ballot type, which still requires you to list a reason for your ballot.
- Mail-in ballot – If you aren’t an absentee voter, you may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request this ballot without a reason.
In order to request either ballot type, you must be registered to vote. Check your registration status here.
Voting by Mail-in Ballot
Option 1: Apply for a Mail-in Ballot Online
Apply Online at VotesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot
Registered voters can apply for a mail-in ballot online with a valid PA driver’s license or photo I.D. from the PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
Military and overseas voters should visit the information for military and overseas voters web page for information on how they can obtain an absentee ballot.
Option 2: Apply for a Mail-in Ballot by mail
Step 1: Complete a paper mail-in ballot application:
Download and print a mail-in ballot application:
Fill in the paper mail-in ballot application.
Step 2: Mail your application:
Send your mail-in ballot application to the county election office. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is one week before the election.
Military and overseas voters should visit the information for military and overseas voters web page for information on how they can obtain an absentee ballot.
Other ways to request a mail-in ballot
- Apply in person at your county election office. Once your county’s ballot is finalized and available, you may request and promptly receive your mail-in ballot.
- Send a signed letter to your county election office. You must include the same information as that on the application form.
- Contact your county election office for more information.
If your application is accepted, you will get a mail-in ballot with instructions from your
county election office.
Voting by Absentee Ballot
Option 1: Apply for an Absentee Ballot Online
Apply Online VotesPA.com/ApplyAbsentee
Registered voters can apply for an absentee ballot online with a valid PA driver’s license or photo I.D. from the PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
Military and overseas voters should visit the information for military and overseas voters web page for information on how they can obtain an absentee ballot.
Option 2: Apply for an Absentee Ballot by mail
Step 1: Complete a paper absentee ballot application:
Download and print an absentee ballot application:
Fill in the paper absentee ballot application. Mark the reason why you cannot get to the polling place on election day. In Pennsylvania, you must meet one of the listed reasons.
Step 2: Mail your application:
Send your absentee ballot application to the county election office. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is one week before the election. Members of the military can apply at any time.
Other ways to request an absentee ballot
- Apply in person at your county election office.
- Send a signed letter to your county election office. You must include the same information as that on the application form.
- Contact your county election office for more information.
If your application is accepted, you will get an absentee ballot with instructions from your
county election office.
More information about voting by mail, voter registration, and more, can be found at www.VotesPA.com.
