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Voting By Mail-In Ballot: What to Expect

Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania. It’s an easy, convenient, and secure way to cast your ballot. Apply online, and you’ll receive a ballot in the mail. Mark your ballot and return it by the specified deadline. It’s that simple! 

Find out how you can request a mail-in ballot and submit your vote below.  

Important: Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to count. Postmarks do not count. You may NOT drop off a voted ballot at a polling place. 


Who can Vote By Mail-in Ballot?  

Registered voters can apply for a mail-in ballot online with a valid PA driver’s license or Photo ID from the PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Register to vote or Find your registration status, then follow the steps below to vote by mail.  


How To Vote Using a Mail-in Ballot:  

Step 1: Request a Mail-In Ballot by the specified deadline.  

Step 2: Vote and Send 

    • Mark your ballot. Follow the instructions that come with your ballot to mark your selections.  
    • Sign your ballot. Make sure you sign and date the outside of the envelope. See an example here
    • Remember the Stamp! Check if the provided envelope requires postage before placing it in the mail.
  • Return Your Ballot.  
    • Place your completed ballot in the mail. Remember to mail early! 
    • Don’t want to mail it? Mail-in and absentee ballots can also be dropped off at the Elections Division Office – City County Building (542 Forbes Avenue, Room 312, downtown Pittsburgh). Ballot return is available in the lobby beginning the Wednesday before the election. Parking spaces will be marked on Forbes Avenue directly in front of the building for voters to park outside and enter the lobby to drop off their ballot.
  • Track your Ballot. 
    • You can track the status of your Mail-in or Absentee Ballot here.
    • You cannot use the tracker to track the status of a ballot voted in person on Election Day.

Have questions or concerns about election security?  

Additional measures to protect voter registration data and voting systems can be found at vote.pa.gov. Pennsylvania also collaborates with federal and state law enforcement partners to stay one step ahead of potential threats. 

For more information, visit the Allegheny Votes website. 

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