We want to ensure everyone is prepared and ready for Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. Here are some key steps to take to get ready to vote!

Before you leave to vote

• Check your voter registration status.
  Confirm that you can vote in Philadelphia for the election. The deadline to register to vote in the November 5th Presidential Election is Monday, October 21st, 2024. Registration applications must be received by 11:59 P.M.
• Find your polling place.
  Make sure to look up your polling place location ahead of time.
• Visit atlas.phila.gov/voting, search your home address and find: 

• • Accessibility and parking information for the building.
  • A preview of the upcoming election ballot. 
  • Your elected officials and their contact information. 

• Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to vote.
  Polls are open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. If you are in line by 8:00 P.M., you must be allowed to vote. 

• Make a travel plan.
  You can plan to walk, drive, take public transit, or explore other options like Indego, the City’s bike-share program. 

At the polls

The voting machines are accessible, and accommodations can be made if people need additional assistance. Poll workers at your voting location can assist you if you have any questions or need help. 

 In 2023, the City Commissioners began using electronic poll books, to ensure a faster, smoother voter check-in process. Learn more about Electronic Poll Books. 

 Polls are open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. If you are in line by 8:00 P.M., you must be allowed to vote. 

Vote By Mail

If you would like to request a mail-in, absentee, or alternative ballot, your application MUST be received by the County Board of Elections no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024. 

Voted ballots must be received – not postmarked – by the County Board of Elections no later than 8:00 P.M. on Election Day. 

If you received a mail ballot for this election, you should mail your ballot as promptly as possible before Election Day. Ballots can also be delivered to a County Board of Elections Satellite Office, or ballot drop box. Visit vote.phila.gov/ballot-drop-off and enter any address to find the closest Election Office, mail ballot drop box, or mobile drop-off event. 

You cannot deliver your voted mail ballot to your polling place. 

Voters can only return their own voted mail ballot. The only exception is for voters with an illness or physical disability who correctly complete a designation of agent form, allowing another person to transport your ballot. That form should be secured to the declaration envelope via paper clip or rubber band, and the ballot should be delivered to any County Board of Elections Office, or ballot drop box. A designated agent can only transport ballots for voters living in one household. 

If you requested a mail ballot but decide to vote in person at your polling place on Election Day, then you must bring your complete mail ballot packet with you – including ballot, secrecy envelope, and declaration envelope. You will need to surrender your mail ballot packet to the Judge of Election, who will ask you to sign a Declaration. If you do not have your mail ballot to surrender, you will be able to vote by provisional ballot. 

Learn more about voting by mail. 

Review the redesigned mail ballot materials here. 

Emergency Absentee Ballot Application

If an emergency (an unexpected trip or illness, for example) occurs after the deadline for absentee ballot applications, you may submit an emergency application to the Board of Elections. To receive an Emergency Absentee Ballot, you must provide a valid emergency reason on your application. 

Voters who are over the age of 65, or living with a permanent disability, may also obtain an Emergency Alternative Ballot if their polling place is not fully accessible. Emergency alternative ballots may be obtained if the voter learned of the inaccessibility after the ordinary application deadline. Emergency Applications may not be submitted prior to 5:00 P.M. on the Tuesday before the election. Emergency Absentee applications and ballots MUST be received by the County Board of Elections in City Hall Room 142, no later than 8:00 P.M. on Election Day. Postmarks are not honored. 

An emergency ballot can only be picked up or returned by someone other than the voter if the voter is ill or physically disabled. An emergency designation of agent form (PDF) must be completed by the voter and agent for this to be allowed. Agents for Emergency Absentee voters may transport ballots for ill or disabled voters from more than one household. 

Learn more about voting by mail. 

Report election concerns

You have rights as a voter.  

It is illegal for any state or local government to discriminate against anyone by denying them the right to vote based on their: 

• Race
• Ethnicity
• National origin, or
• Membership in a language minority. 

Your right to vote can only be challenged if a poll worker, poll watcher, or another voter says you do not live in the precinct or are not who you say you are.  

It is illegal for any person or corporation to intimidate or coerce you to vote for or against a particular candidate or political issue. 

Learn more about your rights as a voter. 

To report any election concerns on Election Day (such as intimidation, interference, illegal voting, or unlawful electioneering), please contact the District Attorney’s Election Task Force at (215) 686-9641.