2026 Voting Guides

Pennsylvania voting guide

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Here’s what you need to vote in Pennsylvania.

Check Your Registration

Even if you voted last time, check that you’re still registered. Check your registration

Register by:
  • Online, by mail, or in person: Mon., Oct. 19

Key Dates

  • Last day to register to vote
  • Last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot (5 p.m.); last day for in-person mail ballot voting at county offices
  • Election Day: polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m.
  • Last day for military and overseas ballots to arrive

Your Voting Checklist

  • Vote by mail. Any voter can vote by mail.
    Request a ballot by Tues., Oct. 27. Request a mail ballot
    Return it by Tues., Nov. 3.
    Problem with your ballot? Some counties let you fix mistakes, so track your ballot and call your county if there is a problem. Track your ballot
  • Vote on Election Day, Tues., Nov. 3, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Find your polling place
  • Bring the right ID. Most voters don't need ID; you only show it the first time you vote at a new polling place.
    • Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID
    • Other Pennsylvania state ID
    • U.S. government ID
    • U.S. passport
    • U.S. military ID
    • Student ID
    • Work ID
    No photo ID? Bring a paper with your name and address, like a utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck. See the official ID rules
  • Review your sample ballot before you go.
  • Have a past conviction?
    • You can vote if you are on probation or parole, or in jail for a misdemeanor or waiting for trial.
    • If you were in prison for a felony, you can vote once you are released.
    • Update your registration if your address changed.
  • Make a plan and bring three people. Make a plan

What’s on Your Ballot

These are the biggest races in Pennsylvania this year. Please note, we do not endorse any candidates.

Governor

  • Stacy Garrity Republican · Campaign site
  • Pennsylvania state treasurer since 2021; retired Army Reserve colonel and former manufacturing executive.
  • Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent · Campaign site
  • Governor of Pennsylvania since 2023; former state attorney general.

Stance on key issues

Voting rights & elections

Stacy Garrity Republican

Supports passing a voter ID law, saying "it should be easy to vote and hard to cheat." Source

Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent

Started automatic voter registration at PennDOT in 2023, with the option to opt out. Source

Policing, prisons & public safety

Stacy Garrity Republican

No public position found.

Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent

Has said he would sign a bill to end the death penalty and will not sign death warrants. Source

Abortion & health care

Stacy Garrity Republican

No public position found.

Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent

Has said he will protect abortion access and veto any bill that restricts or bans abortion. Source

Economy, taxes & cost of living

Stacy Garrity Republican

Wants to cut taxes on electric bills (including the utility gross receipts tax) to lower bills 15–25%, and audit state agencies for fraud and waste. Source

Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent

Supports cutting Pennsylvania's corporate tax rate; in 2024 called for "aggressive" corporate tax cuts. Source

Workers & wages

Stacy Garrity Republican

No public position found.

Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent

Has proposed raising the state minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour. Source

Housing

Stacy Garrity Republican

Proposes "HOPE for PA" to cut property taxes by one-third within two years, and a program to cover up to 3% of mortgage interest for first-time homebuyers. Source

Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent

No public position found.

Schools

Stacy Garrity Republican

Supports Lifeline Scholarships (vouchers), expanding the Education Improvement Tax Credit, and joining the federal school-choice tax credit program. Says "parents need to be in control of their children's education." Source

Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent

Says he has invested more in public schools than ever, provided free school breakfast, and added mental health counselors in schools. Source

Civil rights, DEI & LGBTQ+ rights

Stacy Garrity Republican

Supports keeping girls' sports limited to students who were born female. Source

Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent

No public position found.

Climate & environmental justice

Stacy Garrity Republican

Wants to lift limits on new drilling sites, fast-track permits for gas, pipelines and power plants, and roll back renewable energy mandates. Wants data centers to supply their own power and water, and local residents to have the final say on them. Source

Josh Shapiro Democratic, incumbent

Set 2026 standards asking data centers to bring their own power, conserve water, and hire local workers in exchange for faster permits; later signed an order adding rules and ending fast-tracking. Source

Protect the Vote

  • Apply to be a poll worker and support free and fair elections.
  • Watch the count. Take a training to learn how to observe the polls.
  • If anyone tries to stop you from voting or something at your polling place seems wrong:
    • Call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
    • Call 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
    • Call 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
    • Call 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
    • If you’re in line when polls close, stay in line. You can still vote.
    • If your name isn’t on the list, ask for a provisional ballot.
    • Know your rights

Organizations to Support

  • Make the Road Pennsylvania. Latino and working-class member group; voter registration and turnout in Allentown, Reading, Philadelphia and beyond.
  • POWER Interfaith. Multiracial faith network, Black-led, doing voter registration and turnout across Pennsylvania.
  • Black Voters Matter Fund. Black-led group that registers and turns out voters, with programs in Pennsylvania.

Anti-Racism Daily will never tell you who to vote for and does not endorse candidates. Information here has been pulled from the internet and may be inaccurate. Please fact-check your sources. If you spot a mistake, please let us know so we can fix it.

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