Tuesday, November 6 is the Midterm Election. Here are some tips on voting next week.
- As long as you are registered to vote, you are allowed to vote in this election.
- The deadline to register or update your registration was October 9. The deadline to submit an absentee ballot was October 30.
- Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
- You can find your polling place on Allegheny County’s website.
- An ID is not required to vote unless you are voting for the first time at your polling place. You may show a photo ID or a non-photo ID if it has your full name and current address on it. Acceptable forms of photo ID include driver’s license, passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID, and student ID. Acceptable forms of non-photo ID include a current utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck. You can see the entire list of acceptable IDs at Allegheny County’s website.
- Check the election results on Allegheny County’s website or Pennsylvania’s website.
Before You Vote
- Check to see if you are still registered to vote by using the PA Voter Services website. If you did not change your address or your name since you last voted, then your registration is still valid.
- View a sample ballot so you know who or what to vote for on Election Day.
- Learn about the candidates and causes on the ballot by doing your research ahead of time. The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh has a voters guide about the midterm election. Ballotpedia has a Pennsylvania Elections 2018 website, including sample ballots and candidate profiles. Vote411.org provides personalized ballot and voting information. You can also look at each candidate’s website to examine their platforms in depth.
- Learn how to use the voting machines by watching this video or reading this brochure provided by Allegheny County.
- If you have an emergency any time between 5 PM on Friday, November 2 and Election Day, you may apply for an Emergency Absentee Ballot or complete an Authorized Representative Form to cast an absentee ballot with someone else’s help. An Emergency Absentee Ballot must be notarized.
- If you have any other questions about voting or your registration, check the Votes PA website, PA.gov’s Voting and Elections Guide, or Allegheny County’s elections website. You can also call the Allegheny County Elections office at 412-350-4500.
When You Vote
- Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. If you are in line at 8 PM, you are still allowed to vote.
- An ID is not required to vote unless you are voting for the first time at your polling place. You may show a photo ID or a non-photo ID if it has your full name and current address on it. Acceptable forms of photo ID include driver’s license, passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID, and student ID. Acceptable forms of non-photo ID include a current utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck. You can see the entire list of acceptable IDs at Allegheny County’s website.
- If your voter registration is challenged, you are allowed to cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are counted once your registration is confirmed.
- You may request voting assistance from election officials, friends, family, or another voter of your choice. Voting assistance includes aid for disabilities, illiteracy, and non-native English speakers. Your employer, union representative, or the Judge of Elections cannot provide voting assistance.
- If 50% or more of the voting machines at your polling place are broken or you are disabled and unable to cast your ballot, you may request an Emergency Paper Ballot.
- If you are disabled or above the age of 65 and are unable to vote, you may request an Emergency Alternative Ballot.
- If you believe that your ability to vote was impeded by intimidation, bias, or lack of appropriate aid, you may file a complaint by calling the Pennsylvania Department of State at 877-VOTES-PA (877-868-3772) or by completing an online form. You can also contact the national organization Vote411.org by calling 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
After You Vote
- Check the election returns on Allegheny County’s live results website or www.electionreturns.pa.gov.
- If you cast a provisional ballot you can check to see if it was counted by calling 877-VOTES-PA (877-868-3772) or by checking online. The County Board of Elections is required to verify your provisional ballot within 7 days of Election Day.
If you have any other questions about the election, contact one of our librarians or the Allegheny County Elections office at 412-350-4500.
Thank you for doing your civic duty!
