Vote by Mail
Did you know? Every Pennsylvania voter can vote by mail in any election!
Already requested your ballot? Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn how to return it successfully.
Pennsylvania Mail-In Ballot Request Deadline: May 13th
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You have two ways to apply for mail-in ballots: you can request a ballot online or through mail. If you are voting in another state, or you have an extenuating circumstance that prevents you from going to your polling place on Election Day, then you can request an absentee ballot. Make sure your ballot request is received electronically or by post by Philadelphia by 5pm EST on May 13th.
Request a Ballot Online
Requesting a Pennsylvania Ballot
Follow the link below to request a ballot to vote in Pennsylvania. Please note you must have a Social Security Number or a Pennsylvania Driver’s License to request your ballot online.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot in any State
Please note that some states require an excuse to request an absentee ballot. Oftentimes, being a student is a qualifying excuse. To check if your state has requirements to vote absentee, click here.
The link below will help you learn how to request an absentee ballot from your state. Depending on your state’s voting laws, you may be required to print and mail your request form after completing a couple final steps on paper.
Remember that the mail takes time to send and arrive— we encourage you to complete this form ASAP if you decide to vote absentee so that you can receive and return your ballot with ample time before the deadline.
If you need your ballot notarized, you can visit the PennCard center during normal business hours. We suggest you call beforehand to make sure the notary is in the office.
If you require additional assistance, contact pennvotes@upenn.edu.
Request a Ballot by Mail
If you have access to a printer, stamp, and envelope, click here to download a paper ballot request form.
Mail your completed form to:
City Hall, Room 142
1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Make sure you leave ample time for the postal service to deliver your request form so that it is received by City Hall no later than 5pm on the request deadline. Requests postmarked before the deadline but received after will not be accepted.
Request a Ballot in Person (Satellite Office)
There is a satellite office located by campus at 4029 Market St for “one-stop shop” voting. At the satellite office, residents may register to vote, request a mail ballot, receive it, complete it and return it in one go.
Completing and Returning A Mail-In Ballot
Mail-In & Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: May 20th
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Your ballot must be received on Election Day. Ballots postmarked before Election Day but not received until after will be thrown out. Make sure to mail back your ballot with ample time for the postal service to deliver it, or utilize a drop box.
Mail your ballot to: City Hall, Room 142, 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Dropbox locations vary, but there will be one outside City Hall guaranteed. Drop boxes will be open until polls close on Election Day.
Don’t turn in a “naked ballot”! Use the secrecy envelope:
What if I requested a mail-in or absentee ballot but I didn’t receive a ballot, lost my ballot, or changed my mind and want to vote in-person?
- If you already submitted a mail-in or absentee ballot, you cannot vote at your polling place on Election Day.
- If you did not return your mail-in or absentee ballot and you want to vote in person, you have two options:
- Bring your ballot and the pre-addressed outer return envelope to your polling place to be voided. After you surrender your ballot and envelope and sign a declaration, you can then vote a regular ballot.
- If you don’t surrender your ballot and return envelope, you can only vote by provisional ballot at your polling place. Your county election board will then verify that you did not vote by mail before counting your provisional ballot.