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How do I register to vote in Pennsylvania?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

Pennsylvania launched online voter registration in 2015 and has one of the most permissive felony re-enfranchisement policies in the country.

1. Eligibility (25 Pa. Stat. § 1301)

  • U.S. citizen for at least one month before the election.
  • 18 years old by Election Day.
  • PA resident and resident of the election district for at least 30 days before the election.
  • Not currently confined in a penal institution for conviction of a felony — those on probation, parole, or misdemeanor sentences may vote.

    • 2. How to Register

  • Online: vote.pa.gov (requires PA DL/ID or last 4 of SSN).
  • Paper: mail to county Board of Elections.
  • In person: PennDOT driver license center, county voter registration office, public assistance offices (NVRA agencies).

    • 3. Deadline

  • 15 days before Election Day (25 Pa. Stat. § 1326).
  • No same-day or grace-period registration.

    • 4. ID Requirements

  • Provide PA DL/ID, last 4 of SSN, or other documentation listed on the form.
  • At the polls: ID required only for first-time voters at a polling place (25 Pa. Stat. § 3050(a)) — photo ID, utility bill, bank statement, or other approved documents.

    • 5. College Students

  • May register at campus address if they consider it their residence; protected by Symm v. United States (1979).

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your registration was improperly denied or purged
    • You have a felony conviction with disputed restoration status
    • You were challenged at the polls and your provisional ballot was rejected
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • 25 Pa. Stat. § 1301
    • 25 Pa. Stat. § 1326
    • 25 Pa. Stat. § 3050
    • Pa. Const. art. VII, § 1
    • 52 U.S.C. § 20503

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.