Voting Toolkit and Resources for Homeless Service Providers in Pennsylvania
Adapted from the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ Every One Votes Toolkit
Every One Votes is an initiative of the National Alliance to End Homelessness to ensure that people who are experiencing homelessness are registered to vote and able to exercise their right to vote.
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness is supporting the Every One Votes initiative by sharing a compilation of tools and resources with our housing solution partners providing direct services to people experiencing homelessness so that everyone in our community has the opportunity and resources they need to register to vote and show up to vote during elections.
Every One Votes Pennsylvania
We’ve used the Every One Votes Toolkit as a guide to compile the following information and resources and to answer the most frequently asked questions about voting in Pennsylvania without a home address.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?
A United States citizen at least 30 days before the next election.
A resident of Pennsylvania and your election district for at least 30 days before the next election.
Those at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election.
Those who are registered to vote by the state’s registration deadline.
Even if you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or are in pretrial detention you may be able to vote in Pennsylvania. Felons lose their voting rights only while incarcerated in Pennsylvania, and receive automatic restoration upon release. Learn more about felon voting rights.
ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS
All 50 states require a physical address and mailing address.
The purpose of providing a place of residence is to ensure the person is registering to vote in the proper district and to assign the voter a polling place.
A traditional dwelling or physical residence is not required, and one may list the place one considers their residence, or where they sleep at night, which can include a shelter, bench in the park, or even under a freeway.
Pennsylvania has a check box on the voter registration form for those who do not have a street address or permanent residence and allows voters to draw a map or diagram of where they live.
In most states, a mailing address is required in order for the jurisdiction to send voter ID and election-related materials. However, this address does not have to be the voter’s actual residence. For clients, this can include any location willing to accept the mail on the client’s behalf, including shelters, or a provider’s place of business.
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Pennsylvania’s voter registration form asks for your Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID number for those under age 18, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. The form also has a check box for those who do not have a PA driver's license, PennDOT ID card or a Social Security number.
Pennsylvania does not require voters to present an ID to vote, unless it’s the first time voting. When voting at a polling place for the first time, you must show proof of identification, either with photo or not. Learn more about the types of ID you can show.
If your client needs help to get identification, including obtaining underlying documents like birth certificates, and pro bono legal help go to VoteRiders.org
REGISTRATION DEADLINE & FORMS
Registration Deadlines and Election Dates in Pennsylvania
Last day to register to vote: October 24, 2022
Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot: November 1, 2022
General Election: November 8, 2022
Polls are open on election day from 7 A.M. - 8 P.M.
Official Election Websites, Forms, and Contacts
More election information at: http://www.votesPA.com
Online voter registration available at: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx
Mail-in voter registration forms available at: https://www.votespa.com/Resources/Pages/Resource-Center.aspx
Find your local election office contact information at: https://www.usvotefoundation.org/vote/eoddomestic.htm
HOW TO VOTE
In Person
Look up your voting site and hours at: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx
Voting sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are in line by the closing time then you have the right to vote.
By Mail/Absentee Ballot
In Pennsylvania, you have two options for mail ballots.
Mail-in ballot – Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request this ballot without a reason.
Absentee ballot – If you plan to be out of the municipality on election day or if you have a disability or illness that prevents you from going to your polling place on election day, you can request this ballot type, which still requires you to list a reason for your ballot.
Learn more about Pennsylvania mail-in and absentee ballots.
First-Time Voters
If you are voting in Pennsylvania for the first time or if you are voting at a new polling place, learn what you need to prepare in advance. Learn more about Pennsylvania voter ID requirements and rules.
Accessible Voting
Voters with a disability may get help voting. See more options for accessible voting or request an accessible remote ballot.
Completed ballots must be received by your county election office before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
MORE RESOURCES
Chester County Voters Services: https://www.chesco.org/156/Voter-Services
Voter Registration Script: https://www.nonprofitvote.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Script-Voter-Registration-2020-copy.pdf
Am I Registered to Vote Search Tool: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/
Permissible Election Activities Checklist: https://www.nonprofitvote.org/resource/staying-nonpartisan-permissible-election-activities-checklist-2/
Voting Guide for College Students: https://www.campusvoteproject.org/stateguides/pennsylvania
