Midterm Election Day
The 2022 midterm elections will occur on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. In Pennsylvania, we will be electing a new governor as well as a new senator, along with several local races. There will also be two ballot questions for voters to answer.
Where can I drop off my mail-in ballot?
If you received a mail-in ballot, there are numerous locations where you can turn in your completed ballot. You can call the Philadelphia Voter Registration Office at 215-686-1590 to find out which location is closest to you, or you can utilize this map to find the closest location.
When are the polls open on Election Day?
The polls will open at 7am and close at 8pm on Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 8.
Where is my polling place?
If you are planning to vote in person, you should confirm your polling location before Election Day. You can call the Philadelphia Voter Registration Office at 215-686-1590. You also can click here to use the atlas the city put together. Just enter your address in the search bar on the map and you’ll be able to verify your polling location.
How can I see what is on the ballot?
Philadelphia has posted a listing of everyone running for office to help voters prepare before heading to the polls. You can access that part of the website here to familiarize yourself with the candidates before heading to the polls. You also can click here to look at the two questions voters will be answering.
Do I need to bring anything with me to the polls?
Most people do not need to bring anything with them to the polls. The only time you need to show your identification is if it is your first time voting at your polling place. Valid identification may include your voter ID card, a valid PA driver’s license or PennDOT ID card, a passport, a valid student ID, and much more. If you’re a first time voter in your voter division and want to know more about what IDs are acceptable, click here.
What are my rights as a voter?
There are both federal and state laws that protect voters. Here are some important ones to note:
- No state or local government can deny a voter or discriminate against them based on their ethnicity, race, membership in a language minority, or national origin.
- A voter can only be denied voting if a poll worker, another voter, or poll watcher states that you do not live within the precinct in which you say you are and are trying to vote in.
- Each polling place must have a voting system that is accessible for voters who have a disability.
- It is illegal for a corporation or any person to try to coerce or intimidate a voter to vote for a particular candidate or political issue.
- Counties are required to provide election services and information in different languages once that population of people ages 18+ reach a certain size. For example, in Philadelphia voter registration forms are available in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and English due to the large populations that speak these various languages. In all counties if a voter has limited English proficiency, they are able to have someone enter the voting booth with them to assist them with voting.
There are many more federal and Pennsylvania laws that protect voters. If you’re interested in learning more, you can view the rest of those rights here.
General Information
If you have any additional questions regarding voting, Philadelphia City Commissions put together a website that can be accessed here where all information regarding voting can be found, including an FAQ section. If you have a specific question that you need answered or have questions on election day, you can call the election hotline at 215-686-1590 and they will be able to assist.