Helpful Information For First-Time Voters

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Election Board provides answers to frequently asked questions for first-time voters ahead of Pennsylvania’s Presidential Election on Nov. 5. 

Where do I go to vote? 

There are 73 polling places within Franklin County. Voters must vote at the polling place assigned to them based on their home address. Polling place locations are listed on voters’ registration cards and can be verified at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov. This website can also provide directions from voters’ homes to their polling places. 

What time do polls open and close? 

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Registered voters who are in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote. 

Do I need to show ID before I vote? 

First-time voters are required to show either valid photo or non-photo identification before being issued a ballot. If you are unable or unwilling to provide an approved form of identification, then you may vote by a provisional ballot. The following are approved forms of photo identification:

• PA Driver’s License or PennDOT ID Card
• ID issued by the federal Government
• ID issued by any Commonwealth of Pennsylvania agency
• U.S. passport
• U.S. Armed Forces ID
• Student ID
• Employee ID 

The following are approved forms of non-photo identification that must include a voter’s name and address:

• Voter Identification Card issued by the Voter Registration Commission
• Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Non-photo ID issued by the federal Government
• Firearm permit
• Current bank statement
• Current utility bill
• Current paycheck
• Government check 

What do I do if I cannot go to my polling place on Election Day?
Voters who cannot or do not want to go to their polling places on Election Day may request an absentee or mail-in ballot. Applications for both types of ballots are available online at www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us or www.franklincountypa.gov. Applications may also be obtained from the Franklin County Voter Registration Office located at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, or by calling 717-261-3886. The deadline to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot is Oct. 29. 

Who do I contact with questions regarding voting or the Election Day process?
All voter registration questions should be directed to the Franklin County Voter Registration Office at 717-261-3886. All election-related questions should be directed to the Franklin County Election Board at 717-261-3812. Additional election and voter registration information is available on the Franklin County website, www.franklincountypa.gov.
 

Additional information that may be helpful for first-time voters is available on the Votes Pa website, www.vote.pa.gov. Click on Voting in PA at the top of the page, then on First-Time Voters. Additional election information is also available on the Franklin County website, www.franklincountypa.gov. 

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