If you are a registered voter, you have rights during election season.
Every voter in Pennsylvania has the right to vote under the United States Constitution, and here at Keystone, we want to make sure you stay informed and empowered before you cast your vote this election season.
Here’s a guide to your voting rights in Pennsylvania.
Early voting
Every Pennsylvanian is eligible to vote early by either mail-in or absentee ballot. You must return your ballot to your county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day for your vote to be counted. You can easily apply online for a mail-in or absentee ballot using Keystone’s voter registration tool or through Pennsylvania Voter Services’ website.
Election Day
So you’re registered to vote, have your chosen form of ID in hand, and you’re ready to head over to your polling place.
Before you head out the door, however, there are more rights to keep in mind before actually voting.
Polling hours in Pennsylvania are 7 a.m.-8 p.m. If you are still in line at the polls at 8 p.m., stay in line! Your vote legally has to be counted.
If a poll worker claims you aren’t in their system, you are still entitled to vote with a provisional ballot. The poll worker may help you confirm your registration status and polling location, and be sure to spell your name out loud if needed. If you have the wrong polling place, feel free to use our tool to check, or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE for further Election Day assistance.
Voter intimidation
If you experience aggressive questioning about your voter qualifications, misinformation, or someone misrepresented as a poll worker, this is called voter intimidation. Voter intimidation is a crime and should be handled properly.
If you are intimidated ahead of casting your ballot, you can give a sworn statement to a poll worker about your voter qualifications and then cast your ballot. You may report any voter intimidation to the poll workers at your polling location and to the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA for Spanish.
You have rights, and everyone has the right to vote safely.
