Know What to Expect
Here is what to expect when you vote in person at your polling place on Election Day.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
When you arrive, you will check in with the poll workers.
Then, you will either hand mark a paper ballot or cast your vote using a machine called a ballot marking device. Find a video demo of your county's voting system so you can be prepared.
What if I Encounter a Problem While Voting?
The Department of State is committed to ensuring free, fair, safe, and secure elections in Pennsylvania. That commitment includes protecting Pennsylvanians’ right to vote and ensuring every eligible voter can make their voice heard.
Call our official year-round voter hotline, 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772), if you experience problems in any of these areas:
- If you suspect voting rules are being violated, report it to alert the Judge of Elections at your polling location. You can also report it to the Department through our election complaint form or contact your county election office directly.
- If you need help voting or cannot use the voting system because of a disability, ask the poll workers at your polling location about accessible voting options.
- If you need help voting or using the voting system because of your ability to speak or read English, you may have language support.
- If a poll worker determines you are not eligible to vote on the county's voting system, you may ask to vote a provisional ballot. Your county's elections officials will later determine if your provisional ballot can be counted.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t find an answer to your question here, call our official year-round voter hotline, 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772). We offer interpretation services in more than 200 languages.