Election Day is just around the corner and voters should double-check that everything is in order before casting their ballot, especially since rules can vary from state to state.

For example, 21 states may prohibit you from wearing certain items of clothing or accessories while voting if those items support a political candidate. These restrictions are intended to prevent electioneering (i.e. campaigning for a political candidate) that is not permitted in polling stations.

Here are a few pointers for people who want to participate in their democracy in Pennsylvania, such as: B. when and where you can vote, what you can bring and other frequently asked questions.

When is election day and when are polling stations open?

Election day is November 5, 2024.

Polls in Pennsylvania are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. And as long as you are in line to vote before 8 p.m., polling stations must remain open and allow you to vote.

How do I know if I am registered to vote?

The Pennsylvania Department of State allows you to check your voter registration status. Visit the website here to check if you are properly registered.

What if I vote by mail or absentee ballot?

If you vote by mail or absentee ballot, it must be dropped off at your county elections office before November 5th at 8:00 p.m. Mail-in ballots that arrive after that date will not be counted, even if they are postmarked before that deadline.

To drop off your mail-in ballot, you can find a secure drop box in every county in Pennsylvania. You can find a list of mailboxes in each district via this link.

Is it too late to vote by postal vote?

If you have already registered to vote by mail or absentee, your vote will count as long as it is received before the deadline of November 5th at 8:00 p.m.

If you have not yet registered for postal or postal voting, the deadline for these registrations has expired.

What about emergency mail-in ballots or provisional ballots?

In the event of an unexpected, last-minute obstacle in your voting process, whether in person or by mail, Pennsylvania residents can request a provisional ballot.

Provisional ballots can be dropped off at your polling place. A provisional ballot will record your vote while the county elections board decides whether it can be counted.

Where is my polling station? Where do I go to vote?

Your polling place is determined by where you live. You can visit the Pennsylvania Department of State website and enter your address to find your polling place.

Do I have to bring ID with me?

If you have already voted at your polling station, you do not need to show ID.

However, if this is your first time voting at your polling station, you will need to bring ID with you. Examples of acceptable photo IDs include:

• A Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
• An identification card issued by an agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• An ID issued by the US government
• A US passport
• A U.S. Armed Forces ID card
• A student ID card
• An employee ID

You can use it without photo ID if you provide your name and address:

• A confirmation issued by the county voter registration office, such as a voter registration card.
• Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Non-photo identification card issued by the United States government
• A weapons permit
• A current electricity bill
• A current bank statement
• A paycheck
• A government check

First-time voters can find further information here.

Can I bring my child to vote?

Yes, small children are allowed to accompany a voter to the polling station and into the voting booth.

Is voting safe?

Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt released video updates addressing voter concerns about the election process.

In one such video, Schmidt directly addressed two incidents involving voter fraud and election misinformation – one was a fake video destroying ballots and another was an attempt to register voters with false information.

“Bipartisan election officials are doing their jobs across Pennsylvania, working alongside law enforcement to ensure we have a free, fair, secure election,” Schmidt said in the video. “There are safeguards built into the election administration process at every step to detect any attempts to undermine election integrity.”

Click here to watch the Minister’s address on election protection.

Can I wear political clothing to my polling place in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Voters in Pennsylvania are allowed to wear campaign clothing for their preferred candidates as long as they do not actively solicit votes for their candidates or intimidate other voters.

Can other people wear their political gear?

Yes, unless they are election observers or poll workers.

What can I take into the voting booth? Can I use my phone while voting?

Electronic devices, including cell phones, are allowed to be used at polling stations – as long as they do not reveal information about other people’s voting decisions.

Voters can also bring campaign materials with them when filling out their ballot, but these must be completely removed after voting – campaign materials cannot be left in the voting booth.

Can I take a selfie with my ballot?

Voters in Pennsylvania are allowed to take photos of their ballots in the voting booth, but are advised not to share those photos until after they leave the voting booth.

And again, the use of photos or cell phones is not permitted if their use would reveal someone else’s voting information.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Attorney General website and the Pennsylvania Department of State website.