In a political environment that’s increasingly tense and toxic, state officials have tried to stress to voters that they can cast their ballots safely.
The Pennsylvania Department of State has been working with federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure voters are free from harassment. Hundreds of volunteers, including lawyers and religious leaders, are also working to help protect the rights of voters.
Having said all of that, most voters shouldn’t have any issues when they cast their ballots. But if you run into problems, you have rights that can’t be denied and resources to help.
Here is a rundown of your rights to vote at the polls.
What if I’m harassed?
If you’re being harassed or intimidated, report it. Call your county elections office or the district attorney’s office. Voters can also call the Department of State at 1-877-868-3772 or the U.S. Department of Justice’s Voting Section at 1-800-253-3931.
What if polls close and I’m still standing in line?
Stay in line. As long as you’re in line before polls close at 8 p.m., you will be allowed to cast your ballot.
Do voters need ID?
Voters don’t need to show identification, unless they are first-time voters or are voting in a new polling place for the first time. Registered first-time voters without ID can return to the polls with identification or must be offered a provisional ballot. Acceptable forms of ID include: driver’s license; any state or federal identification; military ID; voter registration card; a utility bill or bank statement; and a firearm permit.
What if you signed up to vote by mail ballot but have chosen to vote at a polling place?
Take your mail-in or absentee ballot and the outer return envelope to your polling place. Once you cancel your mail-in ballot in front of an election judge, you’ll be allowed to cast a vote at the poll.
If you decide to vote in person, but don’t have your mail-in ballot, you can vote by provisional ballot.
What if you requested but never received a mail-in ballot?
You can still vote in person, but you will not be allowed to use the voting machines. You will be given a paper provisional ballot. Your ballot will be counted after elections officials confirm you didn’t vote by mail.
What if voting machines are down?
You can still vote. If 50 percent or more of the voting machines at a polling place are not working, voters can use an emergency paper ballot, according to the Department of State. Poll workers should offer the ballots but, if they do not, voters should request one. Don’t leave without voting.
Can voters get assistance at the polls?
Yes. Voters who speak languages other than English can get help or literacy assistance. Voter can pick virtually any person to help them: exceptions include employers, union representative or the Judge of Elections. Voters who want assistance will be asked to sign an Assistance Declaration form, unless the poll book already indicates “assistance permitted.”
What if a voter’s residency or identity is challenged?
Voters can still cast their ballots. If challenged, voters must sign a challenge affidavit and produce a witness who is also a registered voter in the precinct to vouch for them, state officials say. Another option: voters can also cast a provisional ballot.
Where else can I get help?
The Election Protection Coalition, a non-partisan effort, is offering hotlines in different languages to help people at the polls or address harassment complaints.
English: 866-OUR-VOTE hotline (866-687-8683)
Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
Asian: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683). The Asian and Pacific Islander American vote hotline offers assistance for a variety of Asian languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali.
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