About Voting by Mail
Voting by mail-in or absentee ballot is safe, secure, and easy.
In Pennsylvania, you have two vote-by-mail options.
- Mail-in ballot: Any registered voter can apply for a mail-in ballot.
- Absentee ballot: Registered voters who can’t make it to their polling place on Election Day because of illness, disability, work, or travel can apply for an absentee ballot.
Deadlines for the Nov. 4, 2025, Municipal Election
- 5 p.m. Oct. 28: Your APPLICATION for a mail-in or absentee ballot must be received by your county election office.
- 8 p.m. Nov. 4: Your county election office must RECEIVE your completed mail ballot by this time. A postmark by 8 p.m. Nov. 4 is not sufficient.
Reminder: Voting in a primary election for party nominees is limited to only voters registered as Democratic or Republican. However, all registered voters can vote in a primary election if the ballot includes any of the following in addition to party nominees:
- a constitutional amendment question,
- a ballot question, or
- a special election in their district.
Contact your county board of elections for ballot information: vote.pa.gov/County. If you are unsure about your voter registration status, go to vote.pa.gov/Status
Missed the deadline to apply for your mail ballot? 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 obtain a mail ballot after the Oct. 28 deadline. Find information here about how to get an emergency absentee ballot.
Am I Eligible to Vote by Mail?
Any registered Pennsylvania voter can request a mail ballot.
Resources are available for voters who want to vote by mail and who require accessibility assistance.
If you need help applying for or returning your ballot
If you have a disability that prevents you from applying in person for your mail ballot or delivering your mail ballot after you've completed it, you may designate someone to deliver your ballot materials for you. You must designate the person in writing using this form.
If you need help obtaining an accessible remote ballot
Pennsylvania voters with disabilities can now apply to mark their mail-in or absentee ballot electronically. Learn more about the accessible remote ballot-marking solution.
Registered voters must provide approved ID when they apply for their mail ballot.
The most commonly used IDs are a current, valid Pennsylvania driver's license or a state-issued photo ID.
If you don't have one of those, you can provide:
- the last 4 digits of your Social Security number
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID
- Employee photo ID issued by federal, state, Pennsylvania county, or Pennsylvania municipal government
- Photo ID issued by an accredited Pennsylvania public or private institution of higher learning
- Photo ID issued by a Pennsylvania care facility, such as long-term care facilities and assisted living homes
Voters entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act or by alternative ballot under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act do not need to provide ID.
Apply Now
How to Apply for Your Mail Ballot
Option 1: Apply for a ballot online
Option 2: Apply for a ballot by mail
Option 3: Apply for a ballot at your county election office
Option 4: Vote in person by mail ballot before Election Day
Option 5: Request an emergency absentee ballot
