The presidential election week is almost upon us and knowing how to vote can seem like a complicated process for a first-time voter in high school, so below is a step-by-step guide to be prepared and understand the process.
Registering to vote
For new voters, the first step for voting, both in-person and by mail, is registering to vote. Registration can be completed online at PA online voter registration, or by mail or at some government agencies. Make sure to watch out for deadlines, as the deadline to register is 10/21/24.
The form asks for information such as, name, eligibility, reason for registering, address, and identification (PA driver’s license or PennDOT ID card, if applicable).
After completing the online registration, it will be processed into the database. If you are unsure whether your registration went through, you can check your voter registration status on PA voter services.
Once you register you do not have to re-register except for in the case of a few outlying situations. You can also update your registration if needed due to things like name, address or political party changes.
Additionally, in 2023, Pennsylvania began using automatic voter registration, meaning when residents receive or update their driver’s license or ID cards they will be automatically opted into registering to vote.
Voting by mail
Applying for a mail-in ballot
There are several ways to apply for a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania. First, under the main section of the PA online voter registration, at the bottom of the page, there is an option to request an annual mail-in ballot application. The PA voter service offers a note at the bottom stating, “Please note: If you request an automatic mail-in ballot, you cannot vote as a regular voter in your polling place on Election Day unless you bring your mail-in ballot and envelope to your polling place and surrender it to the judge of elections to be voided. Instead, your choices to vote are delivering the ballot by mail or in person to your county elections office by 8:00 PM on Election Day or voting by provisional ballot in your polling place on Election Day.” So, if you choose to apply for a mail-in ballot, you will not be able to vote in person.
The second way to apply is by printing out the Pennsylvania Application for Mail-in Ballot, filling it out, and mailing it or returning it to the local county board of elections. For Centre County residents, the Director of Elections is Melanie Bailey at 420 Holmes St. in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, 16823-1488.
The third way to register is by applying online at PA voter service’s mail-in ballot application form. To complete, applicants must fill out the applicant information, identification, current address, mailing address, annual mail-in request, declaration, and review sections.
Receiving a mail-in ballot
Once you receive the ballot you can cast your vote until 8 P.M. on Nov. 5. However, by that date, your completed ballot must be received by your local county election office. It is recommended to mail your ballot in a week before the due date to ensure it reaches the county election office in time. Again, Centre County’s county election office is located at 420 Holmes Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823. You can also drop off a mail-in ballot in a secure drop box in a location near you.
After dropping it off or mailing your ballot, congratulations, you have completed the voting process.
Voting in-person
Finding a location
There are many online sources that can help you find a polling place near you. PA voter services has a polling place finder based on county, city, and street, to help voters locate their correct polling location.
What to bring
First-time voters or those voting at a polling place for the first time need to bring photo identification. Acceptable forms of photo identification can be found on PA’s first-time voter website. If you do not have a photo ID, other acceptable forms of identification can also be found on the same website.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania commented at the bottom of the page, “This requirement applies only for the first time you appear to vote in a particular election district/polling place. You will not have to show ID again unless you move and are assigned to a new polling place.”
Understanding the in-person process
It can be helpful to look up a demo of the voting system in your county, which can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website. The demo provides step-by-step pictures and instructions on how to vote in your county, making the process more clear and efficient for first-time voters.
Once you have cast your in-person vote, congratulations, you have completed the voting process.
It is important to use your voice whether as a first-time voter or a yearly voter. Your voice matters.
