Can I vote early in person in Pennsylvania?

How it works

The state calls this on-demand mail ballot voting. You are still voting a mail ballot. You just skip the mail.

Staff check your application while you wait. The state says this may take a few minutes. It can take longer if there is a line. The county must let you mark your ballot in private. That spot may be in the office or close by.

You don't have to fill out your ballot at the office. You can take it home and return it later. Your county must get it by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. A postmark does not count, so if you mail it, mail it early.

• Fill out a mail ballot application at the counter.
• Wait while staff check and approve it.
• Mark your ballot.
• Put your ballot in the inner envelope that says "Official Election Ballot." Seal it, and don't write anything on it. If your ballot is not sealed inside this envelope, it will not be counted.
• Put that envelope inside the outer return envelope and seal it.
• Sign AND date the form on the outside of the return envelope. Use the date you sign it. Unsigned ballots are not counted.
• Hand your sealed ballot to the staff. Staff may look over your envelope for clear mistakes, but not every county does this. Check it yourself before you hand it in.

When you can go

You can only do this after your county has finished its ballots and has them ready. Each county gets ready at its own pace. The Pennsylvania Department of State keeps a list of counties that are ready and updates it as more are added. You can also call your county election office and ask.

• Last day to apply: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
• State guidance tells counties to plan to help everyone who is in line by 5:00 p.m. that day. Don't count on it. Lines can form near the deadline, so go early if you can.
• Want to register and vote in the same trip? Go by Monday, October 19, 2026. That is the last day to register. Go to the main county election office, or call first. Not every satellite office can register voters.
• Office hours are different in each county. Check your county's website or call before you go.

Where to go and what to bring

Go to your county election office. Some counties also open satellite offices. These are extra county election offices, and they may be open extra hours, such as weeknights or weekends. Not every county has them, so check with your county election office.

Bring your Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card. You will need the number on it. If you have neither one, you can use the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don't have any of these, bring a photo ID that shows your name and a current expiration date, such as a U.S. passport or military ID.

• Not sure where your county election office is? Our Where to Vote page links to the state's list of county election offices.
• Need help with the steps or getting a paper form? Call us at (267) 209-3397. We are a private group, not a government office. Your county makes the final decision on your ballot.

Good to know

• Once you hand in your mail ballot, you cannot vote a regular ballot at your polling place. Poll workers can only give you a provisional ballot. That is a special ballot the county reviews after Election Day to decide whether it can be counted.
• Only you can return your own ballot. The one exception: a voter with a disability can name someone in writing to deliver it.
• Missed October 27 because of an emergency, like a sudden illness or disability, or a last-minute need to be away from your town? You may still be able to get an emergency absentee ballot. Ask your county election office.
• Prefer to vote at your polling place? Polls are open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you asked for a mail ballot and did not send it back, bring the ballot and its outer return envelope so poll workers can cancel them. Without them, you will vote a provisional ballot.

Related

• Request a mail ballot
• The 7-step mail ballot checklist
• Where to vote on Election Day
• Register to vote
• Check your registration
• Get help from a real person