Important Information For The Upcoming General Election

What time do the polls open and close?

Polls in Franklin County will 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. 

Am I still registered to vote?

To search for a voter registration status (active or inactive), party affiliation, or a polling place location, visit the SURE Public Portal at www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us or call the Franklin County Voter Registration Office at 717-261-3886.

Where do I go to vote?

There are 73 polling places in Franklin County. Voters must visit the polling place assigned to them based on their residence address. Voters can check their registration cards for polling place locations or log onto the SURE Public Portal at www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us. This website also provides directions from the voter’s home to the polling place.

Whom do I vote for?

Registered voters will be voting for the following offices: U.S. senator, Pennsylvania governor/lieutenant governor, representative in Congress, and representative in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. A sample ballot is available on the Franklin County website, www.franklincountypa.gov, or may be obtained from the Franklin County Commissioners’ Office, 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, beginning Nov. 3.

If I received an absentee or mail-in ballot, what is the deadline to return the voted ballot and where can I return it in-person?

The deadline to return a voted ballot to Franklin County is 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 8. Voters should mail their voted ballots as soon as possible so that there is ample time for it to arrive at the Franklin County Voter Registration office through the U.S. mail. If voters are concerned about their ballots making it on time, voters are able to deliver their voted ballots in person to the the Franklin County Voter Registration Office at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; on Election Day, the office will be open until 8 p.m. VOTERS SHOULD NOT TAKE THEIR VOTED BALLOTS TO THEIR POLLING PLACE unless the voters surrender the ballots to receive an official ballot and vote in-person.

What do I need to take with me to the polling place?

If voters are voting in an election district for the first time, voters will need an approved form of identification, either photo or non-photo. Approved photo identification options include a Pennsylvania driver’s license or any ID issued by the U.S. government or Commonwealth of PA.  Non-photo identification options include a voter registration card, firearm permit or a current bank statement, utility bill or paycheck. No other voter will be asked to present an ID.

Is my polling place handicapped accessible?

All polling places are considered handicapped accessible.

May I receive assistance in voting?

No person is allowed to receive assistance in voting unless his/her registration record indicates the need for assistance or the voter completes and signs a declaration of the need for assistance at the polling place prior to entering the voting booth. A voter may select anyone to assist them except: 1) The Judge of Elections; 2) the voter’s employer or agent of that employer; or 3) an officer or agent of the voter’s union. Also, each polling place will have a lighted magnifier with bifocal lens available to assist those voters who may have trouble reading their ballot.

Are candidates allowed to pass out/display campaign literature at the polling place?

The Election Code states that those individuals or candidates that are campaigning must remain at least 10 feet distant from the entrance of the polling place during the progress of the voting.

Am I allowed to display or wear any type of attire with a candidate’s name on it into the polls?

The Franklin County Election Board reminds all voters that NO electioneering is allowed within the polling place. This includes the display of candidate names on buttons, signs or clothing within the polling place as well as items advocating a political party, etc. Voters will be asked to remove the item or to cover it up before receiving a ballot.

Where can I find information about the candidates that will be appearing on the ballot?

Check the local newspapers or contact either the Franklin County Democratic Committee (717-417-8841) or the Franklin County Republican Party (717-263-7999) for information.

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 717-261-3810. 

What type of voting system do we use in Franklin County?

For information on voting in Franklin County, voters may watch an online demo and/or instructional video on voting a digital scan ballot using a DS200 Precinct Counter at www.votespa.com. The county also has an assistive marking device for the blind or visually impaired in each polling place that is called an ExpressVote. A demo of this machine can also be viewed at www.votespa.com. 

Where can I view election results?

Franklin County results will be posted on the county’s website, www.franklincountypa.gov. To view results from other counties or for all of Pennsylvania, please use the Department of State’s website, www.electionreturns.state.pa.us.

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