As you know, the 2020 election was marked by controversy and false claims that the election was tainted in one way or another, and there are those who continue to foster this myth. And one upshot of that controversy is that the major forward step PA took in making voting easier—mail-in ballots—is under attack by legislators who want to repeal that provision of Act 77. But for now, mail-in voting remains in place following a decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to uphold the law.
The 2022 General Election (midterm) will be on November 8. The last day to register to vote for this election is October 24. You should check your registration status NOW to review your registration information at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/voterregistrationstatus.aspx. If you need to update your registration, go here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx.
To keep voting by mail, or to sign up for the first time, click here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin.
Voting by mail is safe, secure and easy. Learn more about voting by mail here: https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx. Here are the vote by mail deadlines for the November 8 election:
- November 1, 2022 at 5 p.m. – APPLICATIONS for a mail-in or absentee ballot must be received by your county election board.
- November 8, 2022 at 8 p.m. – VOTED BALLOTS must be RECEIVED by your county election office – postmarks are not enough.
Missed the deadline? If you have an emergency (such as an unexpected illness or disability or last-minute absence from your municipality) you may still be able to get a ballot after the deadline. Find information about how to get an emergency absentee ballot.
In Pennsylvania, you have two options for mail ballots.
- Mail-in ballot – Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request this ballot without giving a reason.
- Absentee ballot – If you plan to be out of the municipality on Election Day, or if you have a disability or illness that prevents you from going to your polling place on Election Day, you can request this ballot type, which still requires you to list a reason for your ballot.
The first step is being registered and deciding if you will vote by mail or in person.
Check your registration and you can apply to vote by mail to make sure you are ready.
You can call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to get help in making a plan to vote or if you run into problems on Election Day.
Civic participation is our right and our responsibility. And expanding the electorate by making voting easier strengthens our democracy. Please take a few minutes and make sure you are registered and ready to vote by mail while helping us defend the right to vote in doing so.
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