If you are updating or getting your driver’s license at a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation site, you will automatically be taken through the voter registration process unless you choose to opt out.

State officials have redesigned mail ballot materials. Among the changes are clearer instructions for completing and returning your ballot, and color-coded envelopes.

You must be a registered voter affiliated with a political party to vote in that party’s primary. All voters can vote on constitutional amendments, ballot questions and any special election contests.

​To change your party affiliation, update your voter registration by Monday, April 8.

Online: Complete the registration form at vote.pa.gov/register. Include your Pennsylvania driver’s license number or PennDOT identification card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
By mail: Go to vote.pa.gov/register and click the link to download a form you can print and fill out. You can also use this form to request a mail ballot. Complete, sign and return this form to your county election office by April 8 to vote in the primary.
In person: Go to your county’s voter registration office or an agency such as an Area Agency on Aging office, marriage license bureau or armed forces recruitment center. For a list of locations, go to vote.pa.gov and select the How to Register to Vote option.

​Voter registration is also automatically offered at a PennDOT photo or driver’s license center when you get or update your driver’s license. To vote in the April 23 primary, forms must be received by April 8.

Pennsylvania treats mail-in ballots differently than absentee ballots. Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot; no reason or excuse is needed. Absentee ballots are reserved for people who have a disability or an illness that prevents them from going to the polls—or for those who will be out of town on Election Day. Both kinds of ballots have identification requirements, which can be found at vote.pa.gov/absentee. Applications must be received by April 16, at 5 p.m.
Online: Go to vote.pa.gov/applymailballot and follow the prompts.
By mail: Go to vote.pa.gov/mailballot to find out how to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot. Links to download and print these applications are available in the Option 2 drop-down menu under How do I request a mail-in or absentee ballot? You can request an application from your county election board, by emailing ra-voterreg@pa.gov or by calling 877-868-3772. If you lack the required ID forms, you may include a photocopy of your U.S. passport, U.S. military ID or another acceptable form of identification.
In person: Go to your county election board to apply. To learn how to be added to the mail ballot request list and receive a ballot for each remaining election this year, go to vote.pa.gov/mailballot and select What is the annual mail ballot request?

Return your completed ballot to your county election board by 8 p.m. on primary day, April 23. Or mail it in time to be received by primary day. Or drop off your ballot at a secure drop box. If you have a disability, you can designate someone else to return your ballot. Find more information at vote.pa.gov/mailballot.

​ Yes, at pavoterservices.pa.gov and click on Election Ballot Status.

Yes, you can cast an absentee or mail ballot in person until April 16, at 5 p.m. Check your county office for locations and hours.

Tuesday, April 23. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Only if you’re a first-time voter. Then you’ll need to show an approved form of ID, such as a Pennsylvania driver’s license or U.S. passport. For a complete list, go to vote.pa.gov, select the Register to Vote dropdown menu at the top of the page and choose Voter ID for First Time Voters.

Go to vote.pa.gov, hover over Voting in PA. Look for Military and Overseas Voters. —Elissa Chudwin