As Election Day approaches, the Communiqué has gathered a list of last-minute resources for students. If you are worried about how to vote, where to vote or have any other Election Day-related queries, check out the step-by-step guide below to soothe your mind. 

Guide to Election Day voting

Pennsylvania voting hours are between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. You must be in line by 8 p.m. to be able to vote.

First-time Pennsylvania voters must bring a current non-expired photo identification. Below are accepted forms of identification:

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

If you do not have a photo ID, you can use one of the following, as it includes your name and address: 

Confirmation issued by the county voter registration office, such as a voter registration card

Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth

Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. government

Firearm permit

Current utility bill

Current bank statement

Paycheck

Government check

If it is not your first time voting in Pennsylvania, you do not need to bring photo identification.

If you believe you are registered to vote, but your name is not on the voter roster, you can request a provisional ballot. Your vote will count if election officials determine you are eligible to vote. If you have not registered to vote yet, you cannot vote in this election.

For those whose voting location is at Chatham University, the polls are in the Welker Room in the James Laughlin Music Hall, located near Buhl Hall.

Pennsylvania uses both paper ballots and electronic voting machines. Review the steps below on how to vote using either method.

How to vote with a paper ballot

Once you arrive at your designated voting center, enter the line. Once you reach the end, a table of poll workers will check you in. Your photo identification will be checked if it is your first time voting in Pennsylvania.

The poll worker will hand you a paper ballot to fill out at a ballot marking station.

To select a candidate, completely fill in the bubble next to your choice, and be sure to check both sides of the ballot.

Review your selections. You are not required to vote in every contest.

If you need to change who you selected, contact a poll worker, who will supply you with a new ballot.

Take your completed ballot to a scanner and insert it, following the directions on the machine. A poll worker will be there to assist if needed. Your ballot will be successfully cast when the screen gives a confirmation message.

How to vote with an electronic voting machine

The arrival and check in process is the same as it is for voting by paper ballot. This time, though, you’ll be directed to a station with an electronic voting machine.

Selections are made by touching the screen on the candidate’s name you wish to vote for. Use the “next” and “previous” buttons to switch between contests on the machine. Review your selections. You do not need to vote in every contest. If you need to change who you selected, just touch the screen by the candidate you wish to vote for. Once satisfied with your selections, touch the area on the screen that says “Print Card” to print your ballot.

If you need to change your ballot after it’s printed, contact a poll worker who will help you start over.

Take your completed ballot to a scanner and insert it, following the directions on the machine. A poll worker will be there to help assist if needed. Your ballot will be successfully cast when the screen gives a confirmation message.

https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/vote/voter-support/new-voters.html was used as a source for this piece. 

Additional resources 

• Check your polling station at pa.gov
• Election Day HQ events on the Chatham Shadyside campus
• Check your mail-in or absentee ballot status here
• Know your voting rights
• League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh resources
• Voter intimidation and interference information
• On-campus voting polls at James Laughlin Hall 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Nov. 5
• Post-election chat at the Carriage House 3-4 p.m. Nov. 6