Voter protection
Know your rights.
If something goes wrong at the polls, you have options — and there are people whose entire job is to help. Save these numbers.
If you're at a polling place RIGHT NOW
866-OUR-VOTE
Free, non-partisan election protection hotline. They will help you, in real time, in English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic.
If you're still in line at 8 p.m.
Stay in line. You have the right to vote. Polls close at 8 p.m. but anyone in line at 8 must be allowed to vote. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
If they say you're not on the roll
Ask for a provisional ballot. You have the legal right to one in Pennsylvania. Fill it out, hand it in, and follow up with the county election office to confirm it counted.
If you're asked for ID and don't have it
First-time voters at a polling place must show ID. Returning voters do not. If you don't have ID, ask for a provisional ballot — you can submit ID within 6 days to make it count.
If someone is intimidating voters
Voter intimidation is illegal in Pennsylvania. Call 866-OUR-VOTE immediately. Take notes (what was said, what they were wearing, the time). Don't engage; let the professionals handle it.
If your mail-in ballot has a problem
County election offices in PA must notify you of defects (missing date, missing signature) and give you a chance to cure. Check your mail-in status at PA Ballot Tracker.
Other resources
- 866-OUR-VOTE — Election Protection (non-partisan)
- 888-VE-Y-VOTA — Spanish-language election protection
- 888-API-VOTE — Asian-American election protection
- PA voter services (registration, polling place, mail-in)