What to expect in Pennsylvania at the polls a week from today

One week out from Election Day, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt advised voters to be patient, both with those working the polls and those counting ballots as part of a high stakes midterm election. 

“I want to remind everyone that counting ballots takes time, and county election officials rightly prioritize accuracy over speed,” Schmidt said. “If a race is close, it may take time to know who the winner is, as provisional ballots and military ballots and overseas civilian absentee ballots are counted after Election Day.” 

Polls open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 and close at 8 p.m. — though any voter still in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot. Volunteer poll workers will look up voters and direct them to sign next to their names in a poll book. 

First-time voters will need to show identification, such as a driver’s license or other state-issued photo IDs, before casting their vote on a paper ballot. The candidates, the ballot measures, and the tools you need to cast your vote.

Precincts will be busy places, Schmidt added, with election officials, poll workers, the judge of elections, majority and minority inspectors, appointed clerks and machine operators on hand. Additionally, a voter with a disability may request assistance voting from someone who isn’t their employer or union representative. 

Lastly, poll watchers — registered voters selected by local county-level parties — may observe proceedings alongside constables, who may be present to preserve the peace, Schmidt added. Some polls in four counties are expected to have election monitors from the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Voters have the right to vote without being harassed or intimidated. If a voter has reason to believe their rights are being violated, they should report it to the judge of elections at their polling place,” he advised.

The Department of State also offers a year-round hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA, or 1-877-868-3772.

Posted results will be available as they come in at the agency’s website, and Schmidt said his office will hold a press conference at 9 p.m. on Election Day. 

Voters who choose to use the mail-in option should drop off their completed ballot at an authorized drop box and not rely on the U.S. Postal Service. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, and a postmark won’t be sufficient. 

Those who requested a mail-in ballot and changed their mind can still cast a provisional ballot at their precinct on Election Day. The deadline to request a ballot is 5 p.m., Oct. 27.