State voting rules for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania voters abroad need to request a ballot each calendar year they want to vote in.
Click here to start your ballot request now.
Check below for your delivery methods and deadlines, and to find your local election office contact information.
How to Send
Registration: Email or Fax or Mail or Online Upload
(Pennsylvania voters may use the state online system to register to vote, but we don't recommend doing so as overseas voters will also need to submit a separate ballot request form to receive your ballots for the calendar year)
Ballot Request: Email or Fax or Mail
Ballot Return: Mail
Type of Ballot Based on Voter Category
If you choose “My Return is Uncertain,” you will receive a ballot to vote in federal elections only (US President, US Senate, and US House of Representatives).
But you won't be eligible to vote in Pennsylvania state and local elections (Governor, State Legislature, School Board, etc).
"Intend to Return" means you have an intention to return in the future -- but you don't need a set date or specific plans.
If you choose “Intend to Return,” you will receive a ballot to vote in federal, state, and local elections. But this may be one of several factors used to determine whether you may be subject to Pennsylvania state income tax.
Election Deadlines for Pennsylvania Voters Abroad
Election Deadlines for Pennsylvania Voters Abroad
| Election Day | Registration | Ballot Request | Ballot Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania-State General Nov 4 | Civilian - Intend to Return Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Oct 20, 2025 Deadline for voters who "intend to return" Civilian - Return Is Uncertain Not Required Voters whose "return is uncertain" are not eligible to vote in PA state and local elections Member of Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty Not Required Active Duty military voters are not required to register to vote Spouse or dependent of a member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Nov 4, 2025 Deadline for spouse or dependents of military members | Civilian - Return Is Uncertain Not Required Voters whose "return is uncertain" are not eligible to vote in PA state and local elections Mail or Email or Fax: Received by Nov 3, 2025 Deadline for Active Duty military voters, spouse or dependents of military members, or voters who "intend to return" | Postal mail: Signed by Nov 3, 2025 and received by Nov 12, 2025, at 5:00pm Pennsylvania time |
Find Your Election Office
Jurisdiction
Click in the box below and select your local election official from the list (may be county, city, town...)
Ballot Return Information for Pennsylvania
1. Illustrated Guide: "How to Download Your PA Ballot" [ CLICK HERE ]
2. Illustrated Guide: "Returning Your Overseas Absentee PA Ballot" [ CLICK HERE ]
Additional Resources
You may need to use a VPN if you cannot connect to your state's voter information pages. Some states only allow internet connections from US locations. For more information about how to use a VPN, please click here.