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.
Election Deadlines for Pennsylvania Voters Abroad
May
19
Civilian - Intend to Return
Mail or Email or Fax: Received by
May 4, 2026, 5:00 PM Civilian - Return Is Uncertain
Not Required
Member of Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty
Not Required
Spouse or dependent of a member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty
Mail or Email or Fax: Received by
May 19, 2026 | Election Day | Registration | Ballot Request | Ballot Return |
|---|---|---|---|
Pennsylvania-Primary May 19 | Civilian - Intend to Return Mail or Email or Fax: May 4, 2026, 5:00 PM Received by Civilian - Return Is Uncertain Not Required Member of Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty Not Required Spouse or dependent of a member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty Mail or Email or Fax: May 19, 2026 Received by | Civilian - Return Is Uncertain Mail or Email or Fax: May 12, 2026 Received by Civilian - Intend to Return Mail or Email or Fax: May 18, 2026 Received by Active Duty Military or Family Member Mail or Email or Fax: May 18, 2026 Received by | Civilian - Intend to Return Postal mail: May 18, 2026 Sent by And received by May 26, 2026, 5pm Active Duty Military or Family Member Postal mail: May 18, 2026 Sent by And received by May 26, 2026, 5pm Civilian - Return Is Uncertain Postal mail: May 19, 2026, 8:00 PM Received by |
How to Submit to Your Election Office
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.
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
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.