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What a Voter Should Know:

About the 2026 Midterm Election

Including ACCESS to Voting

(For Individuals with Disabilities and/or 65+)

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1. Good Morning, Good Afternoon) My name is…..

My co-presenter is…

We are volunteers from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh. The League is a national organization and is not for women only—In our Pittsburgh chapter, welcome ANY member, 16-years-old and older, who supports our mission which is Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy! Students up to the age of 24 are free members.

We are a 501c3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization which means we don’t support or oppose specific candidates or political parties. The League does have an Advocacy arm and is involved in lawsuits regarding that mission of ours. But our local League has only an Educational arm. And that’s what I’d like to do today, just share the information that is important for all voters to know about.

In this consequential election year, we want to remind you that as citizens or naturalized citizens, you inherit a RIGHT—and that is the right to VOTE. We are passionate about the POWER of the vote.

You have the right, but choosing to vote is all up to you.

We appreciate you listening in and we are here today to answer your questions and hope you will learn something new about the confusing world of voting and elections.

We share our resources, so if anyone would like a copy of this presentation which has a lot of helpful links, email civic.education@lwvpgh.org

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AGENDA

Why Is Your Vote Important in the Midterm Election?

When Do I Vote?

Who Do I Vote For?

How Do I Vote?

Resources for Accessibility

Q & A

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Why is my vote important in the Midterm Election?

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Does the buzz in media make you worried about the Midterm Election?

Worries about Federal Government:

Restricting Mail-in Voting
Sending Troops or Law Enforcement to polling places
Seizing ballots or voting equipment
Voter Roll purges
Pressure not to certify elections or seat new members of Congress

Worries about State Government or Local Election Office:

Voting machine malfunctions or hacking
Voter Roll errors
Non-citizen voting
Satellite sites and drop boxes
Accessibility concerns

4. Read slide. It isn’t the scope of this talk to chat about all of these issues. But some worry is understandable.

We hear you, and that’s why we are here today to encourage your participation in the 2026 midterms.

There is a lot of concern out there right now. But I like to share this story. I was driving to a school to give a presentation, and I was using my GPS– I thought, there’s a satellite somewhere above me that is working so well that I don’t know it’s there. Good Government is kind of like that. It’s like a foundation that supports us, but that we don’t think about unless something has gone wrong. And things do go wrong…but as an example–look around at all the construction in our area. Where did the dollars come from for those projects? They come from our Federal, State, and local tax dollars in action.” How about that amazing bridge project that completed in record time? For some, a reduced tax burden is a positive sign of Good Government.

If a you’re feeling a positively about the midterms that is “Terrific!” “This year, Pennsylvanians have the potential to make an extraordinary difference through their votes in the Midterm elections.

Also, most of time change is slow– our governments are like giant ocean liners. It usually takes time to change direction and move the ship, unless programs are just eliminated. That can happen quickly.
So the Midterms are an opportunity to make your voice heard and say yay or nay about the current direction of the government in Pennsylvania and of the direction of our Congress.

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One example of things staying the same for this election:

Guidance on Mail-in Voting from the LWVUS

Click on graphic to view

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Reassuring Words:

Voting is a fundamental right, not a political privilege.
Secure elections and accessible elections go together.
Voters deserve facts, clarity, and confidence, not confusion or fear.
Elections should be administered for voters, not manipulated for political advantage.

The most important question is whether every eligible voter can cast a ballot and have it counted.

Democracy does not defend itself. People do.

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Bottom Line:

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Your vote could help determine the balance of power in both the US Congress and in our PA State Assembly

State Governments make the voting rules!

State Governments can solve national problems!

Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution gives STATES the power to set the “Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections.”

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Some Reasons People Choose to Vote

Candidate cares about my issues

We the People stand on the shoulders of people who fought for the right to vote

We the People can hold elected officials accountable

--and members of our families voted!

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Voting Pros and Cons

You won’t have a say

You may get an official you least agree with…

Or who didn’t want you to vote at all

If You Don't Vote:

We recognize some apathy but …

9. So many of you may be voters and I’m preaching to the choir…But let’s remember what can happen if you CHOOSE NOT to vote.

While the reason NOT to vote may appear to be legitimate, there are consequences to not voting.

--You won’t have a say in how the government is run or what the direction of the country will be.

–Not voting may result in a winner you least agree with.

--Allows those to WIN who may not have wanted you to vote.

--However, you may choose to vote, and your may candidate lose! The possibility of not getting exactly what you want in any election is not a reason to sit out.

ACTIVITY : Please describe any BARRIERS to voting you or someone you know has experienced. Please comment.

Solutions?

Optional :“It’s built-in because our Founding Fathers counted on the participation of its citizen to be essential to the health of our Democracy.”

It’s a tribute to America that voter access has evolved through Amendments to the Constitution, from only white men with property when our country was founded, to every eligible citizen in our country today.
But it is important to note that it wasn’t until Voting Rights Act of 1965 which banned poll taxes, literacy tests, and other practices not only in the South, which effectively took away the voting rights of minority voters.

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When Do I Vote?

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Officials YOU ELECT

Two Elections, Every Year

President/Vice President

US Senators

US Representatives

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

STATE

GOVERNMENT

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT

Mayor

County Executive

Other City, County, and Town Officials

Sheriffs

School Board Members

Judges*

Governor

Lieutenant Governor

State Senators

State Representatives

Attorney General

State Treasurer

Auditor General

Judges*

If NOT YOU, then WHO will elect these officials?

*May vary from state-to-state

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Out-of-State? See Ballotpedia.org

11. We elect all of these officials.

We have two elections every year– the Closed Primary in the Spring, which is a party election–It is closed to anyone who hasn’t registered in one of the two major parties– Democratic or Republican.

Democrats choose Democratic candidates and
Republicans choose Republican candidates for the General Election in the fall.

This is where there is the most choice and where voters have the most power, but unfortunately Primary election turnout is the lowest of all elections– only 15-35% of possible voters determine the candidates who will run.

So no complaining if you don’t vote in every Primary!

ALSO, we have a DIFFERENT ELECTION every year– either a Federal and State election in even years, like this year, or a Municipal Election in odd years, like next year.

Believe it or not– Municipal elections really affect voters the most.

Out- of-state? See Ballotpedia.org– the encyclopedia of American politics.- Searchable database.

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Midterm General-- Nov 3, 2026

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12. The next election is Tuesday, November 3. It is a General Election where any registered voter can vote for any candidate in any party. In Pennsylvania, General Elections also may have candidates

from the two minor parties in PA (Libertarian or Green Parties) or some other “political body”. These candidates must follow a process and gain a certain number of valid petitions to get on a General Election ballot.

Anyone turning 18 on or before Nov 3 can register today and vote on the 3rd if they meet the other qualifications.

This year you may hear the election referred to as a Midterm election.

A midterm election happens in the even numbered year midway between presidential elections.
It determines which party controls Congress and the Pennsylvania General Assembly for the next two years.

As we said, a midterm election is often seen as a thumbs up or thumbs down on a current administration and can change the balance of power in the US Congress and in our PA Legislature.

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Deadlines: Federal and State General Election� November 3, 2026

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Information about Satellite Election Offices and Drop Boxes, will be available from the County Election Office close to the election.

Last Day to Register to Vote - October 19

Last Day to APPLY for a Mail-in or Absentee ballot - October 27

•Mail-in BALLOTS will be sent out to those who have applied after ballots have been finalized and printed. This is usually 3-4 weeks before Election Day.

•“Over-the-Counter” Voting is available until October 27.

•Return Mail-in BALLOTS must be RECEIVED by the County Elections Office by November 3rd, 8pm. (Postmarks don’t count!-- No change in PA election law here.)

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Who do I vote for?

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What does it mean to vote � “down-ballot”?

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Open Positions on the PA Ballot

Governor of Pennsylvania

Lieutenant Governor

Pennsylvania State Representatives and

State Senators

The US Representative

for your district

See Roles and Duties of Elected Officials

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15. The November 3rd General Election will feature candidates for these positions in both Congress and our PA Legislature can change.

For US Congress, we will vote for candidates for the US Representative from your district. All US Representatives are up for election or reelection.

Pennsylvania does not have a US Senator position open this year. One-third of the Senate is voted on every two years, so only a part of the Senate changes at once. This is an off-year for Pennsylvania.

In Harrisburg the PA General Assembly is composed of 50 State Senators and 203 State Representatives, (capped at 203 per PA Constitution):

we will vote for Governor, Lt. Governor and the PA General Assembly- all 203 state representatives and half (25) of the 50 state senators.

On a ballot in Allegheny County:

• Federal (Congressional) Elections:

2 US Representatives –Districts 12 and 17

• State (PA Legislature- “General Assembly”):

2 PA State Senators -Districts 38 and 42; Your PA State Representative

• Executive: Your Governor; Your Lieutenant Governor

See Roles and Duties of Elected Officials

See FairDistrictsPA.com for more.

Out-of-state? See Ballotpedia.org.

OPTIONAL Background: US Congress has 535 voting members; 100 senators and 435 representatives (capped at 435). 6 non-voting members. 33 Senators and all 435 US Representatives are up for election in the midterms

Republicans in the Senate are in the Majority with 53 Republican Senators.
In the Minority are 45 Democratic Senators plus 2 Independent Senators who caucus with the Democrats, totaling 47. Vacancies 0.

In the House, the Majority is held by 218 Republican Representatives plus 1 Independent Representative totaling 219.
In the Minority there are 212 Democratic Representatives with 1 Independent, totaling 213, and 4 vacancies.

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US Congress has the power to: (when they exercise it!)

pass bills into law
set budget limits
hold public hearings
approve Cabinet and Supreme and other Court nominees
impeach Presidents and Judges

Choose Your Legislators Wisely & Vote the WHOLE Ballot!

“You did it, Bill!”

PA General Assembly has the power to: (when they exercise it!)

pass bills into law
make voting rules
pass the state budget
hold public hearings
Create, raise or lower taxes to fund programs
confirm appointments by the Governor

See 2026 Candidates for the

PA General Assembly

in Districts serving Allegheny County

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16 No President or Governor can enact an agenda without the support and cooperation of the Congress or PA General Assembly.

Members of Congress can also introduce their own Bills based on their agendas or the on the views of their constituents.

One of the most powerful legislators is the US Speaker of the House, who is elected from the Majority party. He or she is third in line to the President and determines which bills reach the floor of Congress and when that happens.

If for instance, spending approvals were needed for domestic or foreign emergencies, the Speaker can move a bill forward or block it from coming to the floor for a vote.

Your US legislators also have several other important functions that can impact the issues you care about, like approving cabinet and court appointees, including members of the US Supreme Court.

Your PA General Assembly sets the voting rules. Whoever wins the majority in the PA House of Representatives will get to help set the legislative agenda.

All of these are reasons to vote the whole ballot, not only for the Governor or Lieutenant Governor.

Click on this LWVPGH web page 2026 Candidates for the PA General Assembly in Districts serving Allegheny County– videos from candidates.

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Federal & State General Election – NOV 3

Which Candidate do I pick?

It’s all about YOU!

What ISSUES are most important to me?

What CHANGES do I feel need to be made?

Which candidate offers realistic solutions?

Compare your candidate choices.

Look at the source of candidate’s funding.

Listen to people on both sides.

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17. “The League of Women Voters will never tell you which candidate to vote for: this is a wonderful process that is totally about you and what’s important to you.

But we know you may have a lot of questions about how to pick a candidate.

So consider the guidelines on this slide.

1. Figure out what ISSUES are most important to you

2. Decide what CHANGES your community, state, country most need

3. Does this candidate support your issues? Offer realistic solutions? (Not hollow promises.)

4. Compare your candidate choices- their histories, backgrounds,

5. Look at the source of candidate’s funding,

6. Listen to people on both sides.

Then DECIDE.

“Remember:

One size does not fit all! You may not find a candidate who aligns with ALL the issues that are important to you.
Consider what to trade off to get what you want.
Finding candidates that best represent what you care about is not all or nothing.
Not finding a perfect match with a candidate isn’t a reason to sit out!”
Connect the dots…turn your passion into power by voting for candidates at every government level who have the power to make the change you wish to see.

“And get ready-- we are now being flooded with rivers of mis- and disinformation, and you know what that means- sorting through what’s real and what’s fake by finding reliable resources.”

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Avoiding Misinformation and Disinformation

Recognize the risk
Don’t just read the headlines; check multiple sources
Are the sources reliable? “What Sources Can You Trust” graphic
What evidence is provided?
Who will gain?
Talk with those you trust

18. Misinformation-false or inaccurate–

Example: Today is xxx (wrong day). That’s just wrong.

But disinformation while there may be a kernel of truth, is actually FALSE information that is intended to deceive or trick you.

There is a lot of disinformation about the 2020 Election. Reliable sources for six years have maintained that there was no widespread fraud and the correct candidate legally won.

The election system in the US has been secure mainly because the STATES run elections and elections are DECENTRALIZED, which means there is NO SINGLE point of entry into the voter rolls or systems.

That is the way our Founders designed our election systems.

You don’t need us to tell you about mis- or disinformation. It’s out there and 20-30% of it is coming from foreign enemies of our democracy.

So, what do we do? When you are unsure of a headline or a meme– what do you do?

Turn to the reliable resources you can trust: we have a graphic called, “What Sources Can You Trust” on our Explainers and Graphics Page on our website and presentation videos that explain disinformation on our Video web page.

READ SLIDE

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Ballot Questions

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Proposed Amendment to Allegheny County Home Rule Charter

In June of 2026, County Council passed an ordinance placing the following question on the ballot in Allegheny County:

" Shall Article 3, Subsection 7(c) of Allegheny County’s Home Rule Charter be repealed in order to remove restrictions on County Council members’ ability to receive County funding for personal staff, district offices, and fringe benefits?"

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How Do I Vote?

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3 Options in Allegheny County

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YOU can Register to Vote Now!

Must be a US citizen for 30 days
Must be 18 by election day
Must be a PA resident for 30 days prior to the election
Have a PennDOT ID, PA Driver’s License or last 4 digits of your Social Security Number

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Routine Voter Roll Maintenance

Voter registration lists are constantly updated using reliable sources of information like:

death records,
US Postal Service change of address forms,
interstate voter registration data
voter has not taken action on their voter record for five years

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Check Your Voter Registration Status

Already Registered??

22. This conversation can be optional.

HERE is a QR Code to Check to see your Voter Registration Status. It will tell you if you are an active voter, or if some action is required, like voter registration.

There is some controversy about the Department of States’ duty to purge voting rolls, including in Pennsylvania.

Each person’s voter registration is classified as “active, inactive, or not listed”.

A voter must have “active status” to cast a vote without any other action needed in an election. The poll book will list the voter as “active”.

In Pennsylvania, the Department of State Secretary Al Schmidt, reported that every summer, all 67 counties conduct routine voter list maintenance, using the Commonwealth’s Statewide Uniform Registry of Elections System (Sure).

County election officials also conduct voter list maintenance throughout the year. The Department of State publishes annual reports detailing voter registration and list maintenance.

The DOS publishes updated statewide voter registration statistics every Monday.

Voter registration lists are constantly updated using reliable sources of information like this, which may move a voter from active, to inactive or not listed:

death records,
US Postal Service change of address forms,
interstate voter registration data, or
If the voter has not taken action on their voter record for five years

There are specific procedures County Election Offices follow before making changes and counties are required to contact voters before a voter record is moved to “inactive status” or cancelled.

Inactive status does not mean a voter registration has been cancelled. At their polling place, voters can return to active status by completing a voter registration form and can then vote a regular ballot.

Under federal and state law, a voter remains registered unless they fail to respond to required notices and do not vote in two consecutive Federal and State elections, after being moved to inactive status.

At that point, the registered voter moves from inactive status to having their registration cancelled.

The source for this “in the weeds” information can be found at the PA Department of State website– search for voter list maintenance.

Out-of-state? Check your own the Department of State for this information.

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QR Codes

Click on graphic to view

How to Change Your Name, Address, Party:

Updating Your Voter Registration

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Confused by Political Parties?

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Why Choose A Party graphic

Click on graphic to view

24. One more thing when your register to vote in Pennsylvania.

When you register to vote, Why Choose a Party?

Because in Pennsylvania, Primary Elections in the spring are CLOSED, which means, as we said, you can’t vote for candidates in the Primary unless you are registered as a Democrat or Republican.

So in Pennsylvania, voters registered as Republicans or Democrats have more voting power.

Political parties represent different view of how government should work and these views change over time. Typically, Democrats favor more government involvement in things like the social safety net and protecting the environment.

Typically, Republicans favor less government involvement and promote cuts in government programs and business regulations. But in these times, you can find exceptions to those basic guidelines.

Some voter choose to vote strategically. If you live in a town that leans strongly towards one party, some people choose to register with the dominant party to have a voice in the Primary, (voting for or against a candidate),

even if the party doesn’t line up with their views.

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Learn More at Vote.org

Different States have Different Rules

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LWVPGH Graphic for 3 Choices for Out-of-State College Students

Out-of-State?

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Stuff Happens! If you can’t be at your polling place, you have options!

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League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh

Pew Research Center/PBS: Political Party Quiz:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/where-do-you-fit-take-the-pew-political-party-quiz

PA ONLINE Voter Registration Instructions Video (LWVPGH):

https://youtu.be/5DwxjZevuUE?feature=shared

Nonpartisan Elections and Voting Websites:

Nonpartisan Candidate Information: http://www.Vote411.org

League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh: www.lwvpgh.org

Nonpartisan Websites: Media Literacy

All Sides: allsides.org

Ballotpedia: ballotpedia.org

News Literacy Project: newslit.org

Digital Explainers: Download to Print for Handouts

Why Vote in 2026 Fed & State Elections: https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1685566

Roles and Duties of Elected Officials: https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1685569

3 Choices for College-Bound Students Postcard: https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1602682

What Sources Can You Trust: https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1290275

Mail-in Voting Flyer for Students: https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=1282700

Make-a-Plan to Vote: https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=725767

How to Pick a Candidate: https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=879640

Know Your Rights: https://www.lwvpgh.org/docs.ashx?id=863151

Student Feedback for LWVPGH Presentation

Joanne Moore, Outreach Coordinator highschools@lwvpgh.org

Amy Kleissas, Director

3 Options to Vote

Early

Mail –In

Early using Mail-in at the Elections Office

Election Day

In Person

26. There are 3 options for voting in Pennsylvania; Take advantage of at least one!

1. Election day in person at your polling place–7am - 8pm. If in line when the polling place closes, you are permitted to vote.

2 When you register to vote, you can request a mail in ballot and mail it in! This can be a terrific option if you are not sure of where you might be on election day.
Or if you will be tied up with a school project, work or family commitments, out of town, have the flu. And if you are away from your current residence next fall, like college, military or travelling, the mail in is a great option!

3. If you are an eligible voter and haven’t already requested a mail-in ballot, when they are available (about 30 days before an election), you can do something called “Over-the-Counter” voting.

You’ll have to go to our county elections office and apply for a mail in ballot. Take your approved ID. They will give you the correct ballot for your precinct. You will vote your ballot in a private spot, and follow the directions to turn it back in.

It is mail-in voting, but you are the mailman. It really is the only “early voting”we have in Pennsylvania!

Out-of state? Check the Election Office for your county or precinct.

States and local election offices make voting rules and procedures, so election administration can vary state-to-state.

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More About Mail-in Voting

It’s a Take-Home Test

(not a pop quiz)

Who has endorsed this candidate?

What is their position on fracking/healthcare/gun safety?

What does their Facebook page tell me?

What does their website emphasize?

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FYI: Accessible Remote Ballot Marking Solution

The Department of State is committed to increasing accessibility for voters with disabilities. Pennsylvania voters with disabilities now have the opportunity to mark their absentee or mail-in ballot electronically. Learn more about the accessible remote ballot marking solution.

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BEWARE: �Secrecy Envelopes and Missing Dates ��Follow Directions to Complete and Return Your Mail-in Ballot

TIKTOK VIDEO: https://youtube.com/shorts/krhGbx7fA4o?feature=shared

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Satellite Election Offices and Drop Boxes Graphic (when available)

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�� LOOK for this �� in your MAIL��Voter Registration �ENVELOPE� and � CARD��

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29. This official looking ENVELOPE will hold your Voter Registration ID Card.

After you send in your Voter Registration Application, or update your registration and for young voters who are turning 18 years old, it may take 3 weeks before you receive this envelope

in the mail with your VOTER REGISTRATION ID CARD inside.

Remember to look for it!

If you don’t receive your ID card after that time, contact your county election office. (The Allegheny County Elections Office can be reached at 412-350-4500.)

This sample VOTER REGISTRATION CARD;

shows your address, which political party you have chosen, if any, and your polling place.

When you receive your Voter ID card, keep it in a safe place. This card is one form of approved ID you could use the first time you vote in your polling place.

In Pennsylvania, you are required to show approved ID the first time in a polling place– could be after you register or if you move.

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& Know Before You Go

vote411.org & vote411.org/es

Preview Your Ballot

Walkthrough Vote411 VIDEO

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30. Whether you prefer to vote In-person Voting in Your Polling Place or vote with a Mail-in or Absentee Ballot, there are a couple of ways to preview your ballot choices

so you can do your research ahead of time.

To preview candidates, the first way is the LWV Vote411 online voters' guide. LWV Vote411.org is a national website that becomes active closer to each election day.

(Navigate to Vote 411– show where to type address.)

Once the site becomes active, usually about 6 weeks before an election, you can see who will be on your ballot and do some research, comparing candidates, especially if they have answered the LWV questions.

You can choose your candidates and have the results sent to you via email, and take the “cheat sheet” to the polls.

In Vote411 there are links to candidates websites.

It is also good practice to search for the organizations or individuals who have funded or endorsed a candidate.

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& Know Before You Go

www.lwvpgh.org

Preview Your Ballot

LWV Voters Guide

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What About Accessibility?

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3 Acts of Congress:

Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (1984)
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Help America Vote Act of 2022

Accessible Voting in PA graphic

Accessible Voting PA website

32. What About Accessibility?

3 Acts of Congress require that voting systems must be accessible for people with all categories of disabilities.

The ADA says, The Nation’s proper goals regarding individuals with disabilities are to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals,”

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (1984)
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Help America Vote Act of 2022

See the Accessible Voting in PA graphic and the PA Department of State Accessible Voting webpage which outlines help for those who are over 65 and/or have disabilities.

Out-of-state? See your state’s Department of State and search for “Accessible Voting”.

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In-Person Voting

Need Help Finding ID:

Contact VoteRiders.org

Approved PHOTO ID

Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
ID issued by the U.S. Government
U.S. passport
U.S. Armed Forces ID
Student ID
Employee ID

Approved NON-PHOTO ID

Voter Registration Card issued by the County
Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government
Firearm permit
Current utility bill
Current bank statement
Current paycheck
Government check

Find Your Polling Place

33 This next discussion is sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website. As I said, if you are out-of-state, search your own Department of State website for this information.

In Pennsylvania, if you vote In-person, it makes sense to MAKE A PLAN well in advance of election day. Will you need a sitter, time off from work, transportation. Have you checked your status so you know where your polling place is.

Sometimes, polling places are changed and while affected voters should be notified by the Elections Division…sometimes stuff just happens…

In Pennsylvania, you need approved photo or non-photo ID to vote for the first time in a polling place– whether you are a new voter or have moved.
Never leave a polling place without voting, unless you are in the wrong place and intend to go to the correct polling place to vote!
If your eligibility is challenged, ask for a provisional ballot and don’t leave without voting. (More on this in a minute.)

VoteRiders.org is an amazing organization who helps citizens get the ID they need to vote.

Registered voters in PA can use this QR code to find their Polling Place.

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Accessible Polling Places

Is there an accessible voting system at my polling place?

Every polling place in Pennsylvania must have at least one accessible voting system. Sometimes this is the general voting system used by all voters. It may be a separate system with features such as audio, tactile keys, and other assistive technology.

Look up the accessible voting system in your county
Allegheny County here

Contact your PA County Election office

Find Your Polling Place

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Accessible Polling Places

How do I get assistance at the polling place?

If you need help voting due to a disability, you may bring a person of your choice to assist you in the voting process except for:

A Judge of Elections
Your union representative
Your employer

The first time you have someone help you vote, the election officials at your polling place will ask you to complete and sign a form called a Declaration of Need of Assistance (opens in a new tab).

After the first time, your registration record will note that you completed the form.

Find Your Polling Place

35 If you need help voting due to a disability, you may bring a person of your choice to assist you in the voting process except for:

A Judge of Elections
Your union representative
Your employer

The first time you have someone help you vote, (even if your disability is not noted on your voter registration ID card),

the election officials at your polling place will ask you to complete and sign a form called a Declaration of Need of Assistance (opens in a new tab).

After the first time, your registration record will note that you completed the form.

This declaration is also available in 10 different langauges including Spanish and Traditional Chinese(opens in a new tab).

When you register to vote, you can also ask for assistance on your voter registration application.
If you want your voter registration ID card to properly state your need for assistance you can apply for that at least 10 days before the election.

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Mail-in Voting Assistance

Designated Agent Form

If you have a disability that prevents you from applying in person for your mail ballot or delivering your mail ballot, you may designate someone else to deliver your ballot materials for you.

You must designate the person in writing using the Designated Agent Form or a form provided by your county.
Your designated agent should show this form to Election officials when your agent is applying for or delivering your mail-in ballot.

See LWVPGH Web Page: Mail-in Voting

Guidance on Mail-in Voting from the LWVUS

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Absentee Voting Assistance

Permanent Absentee Ballot - All about You!

If you have a permanent disability, you can apply to be added to the permanent absentee voter list by submitting an absentee ballot application.

Voting by Alternative Ballot– All About Your Polling Place!

An alternative ballot is a paper ballot that you get in the mail and return to your county election office. If you are over 65 years of age or have a disability, and your polling place is not accessible, you may be able to vote with an alternative ballot by mail.

Find out if you can vote an alternative ballot instead of voting in-person at a polling place. You must submit your alternative ballot application to your county election office no later than 5pm on the Tuesday before Election Day.
If you experience an emergency situation, by 8pm on Election Day, you can submit an application for this: Download the emergency alternative ballot application in English (PDF)

37. What if you have a permanent disability? This is all about you…

If you have a permanent disability, you can apply to be added to the permanent absentee voter list by submitting an absentee ballot application. If your application is accepted, you will receive absentee ballots for all elections that take place during the rest of the year. You will also receive an annual absentee ballot application every year.

Voting by Alternative Ballot– This is all about your polling place!

An alternative ballot is a paper ballot that you get in the mail and return to your county election office. If you are over 65 years of age or have a disability, and your polling place is not accessible, you may be able to vote with an alternative ballot by mail. Find out if you can vote an alternative ballot instead of voting in-person at a polling place. Do your research about your polling place to give yourself time if you need to apply for this alternative ballot, or if in PA and before the deadline, apply for a mail-in ballot.

If you experience an emergency situation, by 8pm on Election Day, you can submit an application for this: Download the emergency alternative ballot application in English (PDF)
You (or your designated agent) will need to take your application to your Election Office to receive your ballot; then you (or your designated agent) must return your ballot to the Election Office on or before 8pm on Election Day. (There may be options to deliver your mail-in ballot to Satellite or Drop Box locations. Observe the deadlines for those locations.)

Any questions about these slides?

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Know Voters' Rights

Click HERE

for graphic

Click HERE

for graphic

For Help Call

866-OUR-VOTE

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For even more help:

DisabilityRightsPA.org

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When do I ask for a Provisional Ballot?

See More About Provisional Ballots in PA

Rule #1: Eligible voters have the right to cast either a regular or a Provisional Ballot in their polling places.

Rule #2: A correctly cast Provisional Ballot by an eligible voter will count just like a regular ballot.

Rule#3: Within seven days after the election, the Elections Division will verify whether the voter casting a Provisional Ballot was eligible and the vote was counted. Save your receipt to check at vote.pa.gov.

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JOURNEY OF AN � ELECTION BALLOT

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https://youtu.be/fPaskVRjM28

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Fact-Checking in PA

Even More Questions??

Go to PA.gov

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PA

If you don't vote, you don't have a say in the direction of your country, your state,

your local government.

Elections have consequences..

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EVERY ELECTION COUNTS!

YOU COUNT!

VOTE!

If you care about your issues,

then CLAIM YOUR POWER and...

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vote.pa.gov

PA Department of State

League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh Website at lwvpgh.org

Sources and Resources

English

Spanish

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THE END

or is it The Beginning??

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