Voting Rights, Election Protection - League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh

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On this page:

Do I Need ID to vote?
Challenged about my ID?
Who Can Challenge?
Election Protection Coalition
Voting with a Provisional Ballot
Other Voting Challenges

For Non-English Speakers

Accessible Voting Rights

Reentering/Incarcerated Voting Rights

Poll Workers vs Poll Watchers

More Voting Pages

Do you know your VOTING RIGHTS in Pennsylvania?

Know Your Rights

When you go to your polling place on Election Day, it is important to KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
This page will help answer your questions if your right to vote is challenged.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Digital KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Printed
DIGITAL: Download: www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=863151
PRINTED: Download: www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=863152

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For non-English speakers:
For Non-English Speakers. This website has a Google Translate "Select Language" Menu
in the upper right of every page.
Recursos para votantes. See our en Espanol webpage.

https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=863151

VOTING TIP: If you are in line to vote when Polls close, stay in line and VOTE!

Am I REGISTERED to VOTE?

Basic Qualifications to Vote

Am I ELIGIBLE to register to vote?
You must be a citizen for at least 30 days before the next election, 18-years-old on or by the next election date, and a resident of Pennsylvania and of your election district 30 days before the election. You must also have registered to vote before the voter registration deadline for the next election.

Check Your Voter Status

Check Voter Registration STATUS This is the most useful link for voters. All your voter information, including your voter "status" and Polling Place will be listed at the PA Department of State website.

VOTING TIP: When you enter the polling place for your precinct, you will CHECK IN with an election official who will use the "poll book" to verify your voter registration status. IMPORTANT: If you recently updated your voter registration, but when you go to your polling place, changes are not noted in the poll book, you may always ask for a provisional ballot (see below), so don't leave without voting. Much more information on the In-Person Voting web page.

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I am a REGISTERED VOTER and my status is listed as "ACTIVE".

If you have registered to vote, on or before the voter registration deadline, you will see your address, your voter status* as "active", your DOB, political party (if you listed one when your registered to vote), mail-in voting information, your US Congressional, State Senate, and State House Districts, and most important, your POLLING PLACE address along with municipality, ward and precinct.

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I am listed as "INACTIVE".

I am listed as "INACTIVE".

(You have to use it so you don't lose it! This simply means you have registered in the past, but haven't voted in recent elections.)

There are two easy ways to change your "inactive" status to "active".

You can go to your polling place on election day and sign a form that changes your status to "active". You will be given a regular ballot and then may cast your vote.
Or, you can register to vote (online or with a downloaded application) on or before the voter registration deadline for the next election here.

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I am NOT LISTED.

If you are not listed, it means your County Election Office does not have a record that you registered to vote. You need to register to vote (online or with a downloaded application) on or before the voter registration deadline for the next election here.

Check Your Mail-in/
Absentee Ballot Status

Check Mail-in/Absentee Ballot STATUS
This is the most useful tracking link for voters who have returned their Mail-in/Absentee Ballot.

VOTING TIP: IMPORTANT: A recent PA Supreme Court case decided for voters who have had their Mail-in/Absentee Ballots rejected, allowing them to vote with a provisional ballot (see below). Don't leave without voting. Much more information on the Mail-in/Absentee Voting web page.

https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1282700

Do I need APPROVED ID at my Polling Place?

Approved ID

Pennsylvania law states that the only time voters need approved ID is when they are first-time voters or voting in a polling place for the first time.

A list of approved photo and non-photo ID is available at pa.gov and below.

Voteriders.org assists citizens to find approved ID (below/right). This nonpartisan organization can help with transportation and other costs of getting ID.

Approved PHOTO ID

Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
ID issued by the U.S. Government
U.S. passport
U.S. Armed Forces ID
Student ID
Employee ID

Approved NON-PHOTO ID

Voter Registration Card issued by the County
Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government
Firearm permit
Current utility bill
Current bank statement
Current paycheck
Government check

ID requirements for all 50 states and
help finding approved ID:
VOTERIDERS.org

Your VOTER ID Card

See a sample Voter Registration ID card (right):
When you register to vote for the first time or if you update your information,
you will receive a Voter ID card. You may use it as approved ID the first-time you vote in a polling place.

What if I am challenged about my ID or anything else?

Steps You Can Take
If You Are Challenged
at Your Polling Place

STEP 1: Ask the Judge of Elections at your polling place.
This election official has special training and is required to make sure that the election at your polling place runs smoothly, with all voting laws, rules, and procedures strictly followed. The Judge of Elections also can make judgments about challenging situations. If you have a question or difficulty at your polling place, the first step is to talk to your Judge of Elections. Ask the Judge to check the Supplemental List of Registered Voters.

On Election Day, the Judge of Elections may call the County Elections Office for help with questions about a voter's eligibility or any other challenges. You can also contact the office with questions or concerns.

STEP 2: Call the Election Protection Coalition Hotline

Most voters have a good experience at their polling place. However, if you encounter challenges, the Election Protection Coalition hotline has live operators available to help you understand and exercise your right to vote.

If you experience or observe voter intimidation at your polling place, call the Election Protection Hotline:

866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Espanol - 888-839-8682)
844-YALLA-US (Arab American Institute- AAI)
888-API-VOTE (APIAVote and Asian Americans Advancing Justice -AAJC)
1-301-818-VOTE (National Association of the Deaf Hotline - 301-818-8683)

Voting Tips:

In Pennsylvania, you are required to show ID only if you are a first-time voter or if it is your first-time in a polling place.
Approved photo and non-photo ID is listed above.
At your polling place, if you forgot your approved ID, you may go home to get it and then vote with a regular ballot, or you can vote with a Provisional Ballot.
At your polling place, if your ID is challenged but you believe your ID is valid, or for any other questions about your eligibility to vote, you can always ask for a Provisional Ballot. A Provisional Ballot records your vote, but whether or not it is counted will be determined by your County Elections Office within 7 days after the election.
If you are in line when polls close at 8pm on Election Day, stay in line and vote.

ELECTION PROTECTION COALITION

Election Protection Coalition
"Poll Monitor"

Election Protection Coalition Poster

If voters are unfairly challenged at their polling place, with ID or some other reason, and the problem has not been resolved, they can call the Election Protection Coalition. This national, nonpartisan coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count. Live operators are available on Election Day to help you and to protect, advance, and defend the right to vote.

866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Espanol - 888-839-8682)
844-YALLA-US (Arab American Institute- AAI)
888-API-VOTE (APIAVote and Asian Americans Advancing Justice -AAJC)
1-301-818-VOTE (National Association of the Deaf Hotline - 301-818-8683)

You can become a trained "Election Protection Monitor" for any election. Use the contact information below for training.

Election Protection Protection website: www.866ourvote.org

Election Protection Poster
https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=725809

Who can make LEGAL CHALLENGES to a voter's eligibility in Pennsylvania?

CHALLENGED VOTER ELIGIBILTY

Source: Brennan Center here.

"Pennsylvania, like most states, allows private individuals to challenge another person’s eligibility to vote. This resource details state and federal laws that govern this process and protect challenged voters." Pennsylvania’s voter protections include a requirement that pre-election challenges be made by sworn affidavit, a prohibition on Election Day challenges made on any grounds other than identity or residency, and a right to a noticed and recorded hearing for absentee and mail-in ballot challenges.

Voters in Pennsylvania have the right to vote free from intimidation under federal and state law. Baseless challenges to a voter’s eligibility can harass and intimidate the voter being challenged, as well as other voters waiting to vote at the polls. More information on the federal and state laws that protect Pennsylvania voters from intimidation can be found here."

Don't Leave Without Voting

https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1435736

Challenged
at Your Polling Place or
with Your Mail-in Voting

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Pre-election challenges to a voter’s registration must be made by written affidavit.

Only a commissioner, registrar or clerk, or another voter from the same municipality may challenge a voter’s registration.
The challenge must be made on a challenge affidavit form that states the reason for the challenge. 2A challenger who lies on the challenge affidavit may be charged with a criminal offense.
A challenged voter must be given the opportunity to respond and should do so in a sworn or affirmed written statement with any supporting evidence attached.
The National Voter Registration Act limits when and how voters can be removed from the rolls. Under the act, states and counties are permitted to remove a voter in just five circumstances: if the voter affirms the change; if state law requires, for a criminal conviction or mental incapacity; for the death of the voter; if the voter confirms a change of residence in writing; and based on other evidence of a change of residence, but only after the state sends a notice and the voter both fails to respond and fails to vote in the next two federal general elections. These restrictions apply regardless of whether clerks are conducting their own list maintenance or responding to challenges.
The act also prohibits the “systematic” removal of voters within 90 days of a federal election. According to guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice, “This 90-day deadline applies to State list maintenance verification activities such as general mailings and door-to-door canvasses. This deadline also applies to list maintenance programs based on third-party challenges derived from any large, computerized data-matching process.”

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Pennsylvania limits the grounds for Election Day challenges.

Only a registered voter, election officer, overseer, or poll watcher may challenge a voter on Election Day.
The only permissible grounds for an Election Day challenge are that the voter is impersonating the registrant, that they are not a resident, or that they’ve been bribed. 6A voter’s eligibility to register to vote is not a permissible challenge at the polls.
Challenges must be directed to the judges of elections, who will determine if the challenge was made in good faith and based on actual evidence that the challenged person is not qualified to vote.
“A person is presumed to be a bona fide qualified elector and must be allowed to vote if his or her name appears on the poll book.”
The judge of elections must “impartially and faithfully perform [his or her] duties,” as required by the oath taken before each election. Judges of elections are prohibited from allowing “routine or frivolous challenges that are not supported by a stated good faith basis and evidence that a person is or may not be eligible.”
If the judge of elections is satisfied as to the identity and residency of the voter, the voter may vote a regular ballot.

If the judge of elections cannot determine the residency or identity of the voter, the voter shall be permitted to bring another voter from the precinct to sign an affidavit vouching for the voter’s identity or residence. 3The voter then has the right to vote a regular ballot. 4A challenged voter who cannot procure a witness to vouch for them must be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.

What is a PROVISIONAL BALLOT and when should I ask for one?

PROVISIONAL BALLOT
Challenged Eligibility

Source: pa.gov here

What is a Provisional Ballot?

Sometimes county elections officials need more time to determine a voter's eligibility to vote. Election officials may ask that voter to vote a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot records your vote while the county board of elections determines whether it can be counted.

RULE #1: Eligible voters have the right to cast either a regular or a Provisional Ballot in their polling places.
RULE #2: A correctly cast Provisional Ballot by an eligible voter will count just like a regular ballot.
RULE #3: Within seven days after the election, the Elections Division will verify whether the voter casting a Provisional Ballot was eligible and the vote was counted.

"You may be issued a provisional ballot for the reasons below:

Your name was not in the poll book or supplemental poll book.
- For example, you reported to the wrong precinct; or
- You did not report a recent change in residence to the county election office.
You are required to show ID, but cannot show ID.
Your eligibility was challenged by an election official.
You were issued an absentee or mail-in ballot but believe you did not successfully vote that ballot, and you do not surrender your ballot and outer return envelope at the polling place to be spoiled.
You returned a completed absentee or mail‐in ballot that was rejected, or you believe will be rejected, by the county board of elections and you believe you are eligible to vote.
There is a special court order with respect to your registration status.
There is a special court order related to extending the hours of voting.
You believe that you are registered in a political party, but your voter record indicates otherwise (for primary elections only)."

Don't Leave Without Voting

https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1435736

Provisional_Ballot_Explainer-_Guide_for_Voters-_2024.png

Provisional Ballots- Know Your Rights

https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1389934

Tracking Your Provisional Ballot

Track Your Provisional Ballot
After the election, you can track your provisional ballot to see if your vote was confirmed and counted by the County Elections Office. (See graphic, left.)

VOTING TIP: If you are required to show ID (poll book notation), but you don't have approved ID with you, you may go home to get it. With approved ID you will be able to vote with a regular ballot. However, you could vote instead with a Provisional Ballot and if you are found to be eligible, that ballot will be counted.

What If I Have OTHER Voting Issues?

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I registered, but didn't receive Voter ID card

I registered to vote before the deadline. What if I don’t receive my Voter Registration ID card by Election Day?

If you can go online, keep checking your voter registration status HERE,
GO to OR call the Allegheny County Elections Division at 421-350-4500 or your County Election Office.

VOTING TIP: Go to your polling place to vote! Even if you haven’t received your ID card or verified that your status is “active” by Election Day, if you registered to vote before the deadline, you have the right to go to your polling place to vote, even though you may need to vote a provisional ballot (see above).

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My name doesn't show up in Poll Book

What if my name does not show up in the poll book (also called the "Voting Record" or “Voter Rolls”) at my polling place when I check in.

If you registered to vote before the deadline, tell the election official. The poll books are printed the Friday before the election, but additional registered voter names are given to polling places as “poll book supplemental lists.” If your name does not appear in the poll book, you can ask an election official or the Judge of Elections in your polling place to check the supplemental list and/or to call your County Elections Office.

If your name IS FOUND as a registered voter, you will be given a regular, paper ballot to vote.
If your name IS FOUND, but you haven't voted in up to two Federal election cycles: You will be asked to sign an affidavit to change your status from "inactive" to "active" and then you may vote with a regular, paper ballot.
If your name is NOT found, and election officials are telling you that you are in the wrong polling place, a) you should go to the correct polling place or b) if you believe you are in the correct polling place, you may ask for a provisional ballot.
If your name is NOT found, you have the right to ask for a provisional ballot (see above).

VOTING TIP: Do not leave without voting—it is your right! Just remember, following the election, if your eligibility to vote is confirmed by your County Elections Office, your provisional ballot will be counted.

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What about Voter Intimidation?

What if I see or experience voter intimidation?

Call the ELECTION PROTECTION HOTLINE if you experience or observe voter intimidation, if you run into any problems, or have questions on Election Day:

English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683;
Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
1-301-818-VOTE (National Association of the Deaf Hotline -301-818-8683)

A Word About Voter Intimidation and Poll Watchers:

Guidance concerning "Poll Watchers" and "Authorized Representatives at Polling Places" can be viewed at pa.gov .

VOTING TIP: It is important to know what Poll Watchers CAN and CANNOT do.

Accordion Widget

Still in line when Polling Place closes?

What if I am still in line at my polling place when the POLL CLOSES at 8pm?

Stay in line until you are able to vote, no matter how late. Stay in line even if poll workers announce, "The poll is now closed." They say that to prevent more people from joining the line.

VOTING TIP: Remember, if you are in line when polls close, you have the right to vote!

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EMERGENCY ABSENTEE BALLOT

Emergency Absentee Ballot (from pa.gov)

In emergency situations (such as an unexpected illness, disability or last-minute absence from your municipality), you can request an emergency absentee ballot after 5 pm on the Tuesday before the election.

The deadline to submit your emergency absentee ballot application to your County Election Office is 8 pm on Election Day.

For Non-English Speakers

This website has a Google Translate "Select Language" Menu in the upper right of every page.
Recursos para votantes. en Espanol webpage aqui.

See vote.pa.gov- Espanol .

Updated 2023 Language Access Guidelines from PA Department of State.

Problems? See About Language Minority Voting Rights (justice.gov) .

Accessible Voting
for Voters with a Disability
or Voters Over 65

Accessible Voting Find the information you need at this pa.gov web page including information for those with a permanent disability. You have choices about how to vote--either In-Person or Mail-in/Absentee Voting.

Every polling place in Pennsylvania must have at least one accessible voting system:

Look up the accessible voting system in your county

Find your polling place to see if it is accessible

VOTING TIP: See how to apply for an Emergency Absentee Ballot (above).

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IN-PERSON VOTING

If you need help voting due to a disability, you may bring a person of your choice to assist you in the voting process. There are a few restrictions on who to bring, including that you may not choose a person who is:

A Judge of Elections
Your Union Representative
Your Employer

The first time you have someone help you vote, the election officials at your polling place will ask you to complete and sign a form called a Declaration of Need of Assistance. After the first time, your registration record will note that you completed the form. This declaration is also available in Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese.

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MAIL-IN /ABSENTEE VOTING

MAIL-IN VOTING Webpage If you choose to vote by mail answer your questions here.

Third Party Ballot Delivery for Mail Voting:

If you have a disability that prevents you from applying in person for your mail-in ballot or from delivering your mail-in ballot, you may designate an agent to deliver your ballot material for you. You must designate the agent in writing using this form or a form provided by your county.

Can I Register & Vote?
For Incarcerated and
Reentering Citizens

Many incarcerated and reentering citizens in Pennsylvania can register and vote. Learn about voting rights from the Department of Corrections here.

More information you need at LWVPGH "Voting Rights of Incarcerated and Reentering Citizens" web page here .

PROVISIONAL_BALLOT_Explainer_Venngage_10.1.22.png

VOTE with a Criminal History Video

https://youtu.be/yTVTPDXAopE?feature=shared

What are the different roles of Poll Workers, Poll Watchers, and Poll Monitors?

"Poll Workers", "Poll Watchers" and "Poll Monitors"

Both voters and election officials need to know the different duties of Poll Workers and Poll Watchers.
Poll Watchers Guidance from pa.gov.

See Polling Place Rules graphic (right).

Poll Worker: Also called an election official, election judge, or election clerk depending on their assigned roles. These officials are responsible for the proper and orderly voting at polling places. Poll Workers are trained by the Elections Division that has hired them for a specific election and take an oath to uphold their duties with integrity.

Poll Watcher: Poll Watchers are election observers, who may observe the steps in the election process. Each state has its own laws and procedures on when and where observers can be present, as well as who can observe the election. In Pennsylvania, poll watchers are chosen by the candidates and parties on the ballots and must have a certificate from the Board of Elections.

Poll Monitor: A volunteer who may have been trained by the "Election Protection Coalition" (see panel above), or some other organization. Monitors do not have an official role and must stay outside of the polling place. Voters do not have to answer questions or respond to requests from poll monitors. "Voters in Pennsylvania have the right to vote free from intimidation under federal and state law."

Polling Place Rules
www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1415639

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Source: pa.gov here

What is a Provisional Ballot?

"You may be issued a provisional ballot for the reasons below: