Important Deadlines for the November 8th PA General Election
If using a mail-in ballot, mail early. Postmarks Do Not Count!
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- October 24: Last day to register to vote in the primary election, by 5 pm.
- November 1: Last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, by 5 pm.
- November 8: Election Day. Mail-in or absentee ballots must be received by 8 pm.
While this might not be a presidential election year, it’s critical to have your voice reflected in all levels of government, including local offices. The best way to do that is to vote! The following guide provides details on the voting process (both in-person and by mail) and links to candidate forums and ballot questions for more context.
For detailed information about elections, voting, and more, please visit the Allegheny County website and vote.pa.gov or CivicCLP’s Voting and Elections page for all the latest election information.
Voting in Pennsylvania
Who Is Eligible to Vote?
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- All US citizens ages 18 or older as of Election Day
- Those who are a resident of PA for 30 days before Election Day
- Citizens of the United States at least one month before the next election
Who/What Do We Vote For in a General Election?
During the Pennsylvania general election, candidates from the Democratic, Republican, and other parties are on the ballot, and all voters can select any candidate for any party.
During a general election, Pennsylvanians vote for federal, state, and local officials, including:
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- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- US Senator
- US House of Representatives
- State Senators
- State Representatives
In odd-numbered years, Pennsylvanians also vote for county and city officials, judges, and magisterial district judges. Every four years, the general election is also a presidential election.
To Vote In-Person:
Polls are open for in-person voting from 7 am – 8 pm on Election Day. First-time voters, including those voting for the first time at the polling place, will be asked to show an approved form of identification (from the Allegheny County Elections Division).
Find your polling place at pavoterservices.pa.gov.
Don’t leave without voting. Anyone in line at 8:00 pm will be allowed to vote. Anyone may request a provisional ballot.
Learn More about Voting In-Person
To Vote Using a Mail-in or Absentee Ballot:
Request a mail-in or absentee ballot at pavoterservices.pa.gov by the specified deadline. You can submit an online application, download a paper form, or request to have a form mailed to you. Your mail-in or absentee ballot will arrive to you by mail before Election Day.
Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by 8 pm on Election Day to count. Postmarks do not count. You may NOT drop off a voted ballot at the polling place.
Learn More about Voting by Mail-in Ballot
Where can I find information on who/what will be on the ballot?
- Vote.PA.gov: The State of Pennsylvania voter site has everything you need to register, change your address or party, apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, and check your registration status or polling place.
- Vote411: Enter your address to view your personalized ballot, candidate information, and more.
- Local and statewide nonprofits have created a video series of candidate forums that you can watch to become more informed on their issues and positions.
Voter Assistance
Allegheny County Elections Office
542 Forbes Ave., Suite 609, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; 412-350-4500
League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh
436 Seventh Avenue, Suite 350, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Email: info@lwvpgh.org, 412-261-4284
Polling Places, Voter Rights and Poll Working
Note: As a publicly-funded institution, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and its employees cannot express opinions, advocate—either actively or passively—for a candidate or cause, or try to sway potential voters one way or the other. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization defined by the IRS, CLP and its employees are prohibited from engaging “in partisan activities, including but not limited to interventions in support or against any candidate for public office.” Our goal is to provide balanced, unbiased information to our community through displays, programs, and resources.