Vote by Mail
Voting by Mail is Safe, Secure, and Easy!
Registered voters in Pennsylvania have the opportunity to vote by mail. Voters have the option of voting by mail-in or absentee ballot.
You may also visit the Pennsylvania Department of State website for more information on voting by mail.
Mail-in Ballot
Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request this ballot without listing a reason.
Absentee Ballot
If you plan to be out of the municipality on Election Day or if you have a disability or illness that prevents you from going to your polling place on Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot. It will require you to list a reason for applying for this type of ballot.
Identification Requirements for Mail Voting
In order to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, you must supply proof of identification. Voters must use one of the following options (except for uniformed and overseas citizens and voters who qualify under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped ACT).
Include one of these ID numbers on your absentee or mail-in ballot application:
- Current and valid Pennsylvania driver's license
- PennDOT photo ID card
If you don't have one of the documents listed under Option 1, you can include the last four digits of your Social Security number on your mail-in or absentee application.
If you don't have one of the documents listed under Option 1 or a Social Security number, you can provide a photocopy of one of the following IDs with your absentee or mail-in ballot application. The photocopy must show name, a photo, and an expiration date that is current.
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Military ID (active duty and retired military ID may designate an expiration date that is indefinite). Military dependents' ID must contain a current expiration date.
- Employee photo identification issued by Federal, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania county, or Pennsylvania municipal government.
- Photo identification issued by an accredited Pennsylvania public or private institution of higher learning.
- Photo identification issued by a Pennsylvania care facility, including long-term care facilities, assisted living residences and personal care homes.
Annual Mail Ballot List
Voters have the option to request to be added to the annual (formerly called "permanent") ballot request list. When selecting this option, you will receive a reminder letter to apply for your vote-by-mail ballot in February of each year. You must complete and return the enclosed application (or apply online). Once your request is approved, you will automatically receive ballots for the remainder of the year. You do not need to submit an application for each election that year.
Please see the Pennsylvania Department of State website for more information about becoming an annual mail voter.
Third Party Ballot Delivery for Mail Voting
If you have a disability that prevents you from applying in-person for your mail ballot or delivering your mail ballot, you may designate someone to deliver your ballot materials for you. You must designate the person in writing using this form.
Returning Your Voted Vote-by-Mail Ballot
Below are general steps on how to vote, prepare, and return your mail ballot. Be sure to follow the instructions included with your ballot. Please contact the Elections Office if you have any questions.
According to Pennsylvania Election Law, voters must return their own ballot. The only exception is for voters with a disability who have designated someone using the third party authorization form listed above.
Step 1:
Ensure you have received the correct ballot and materials. You should have:
- A ballot specific to your voting precinct (and political party in a primary election)
- An "Official Election Ballot" secrecy envelope
- A pre-addressed, bar-coded return envelope with your name, address, and voter ID number.
- Instructional insert
Read the instructions provided on the ballot and the instructional insert. Carefully mark your selections on your ballot with a blue or black pen. Fill in the ovals completely; do not use Xs or check marks. Be sure to complete the front and back of your ballot.
If completing a write-in, fill in the oval completely and clearly write your selection in the box to the right.
Step 2:
Seal your ballot in the "Official Election Ballot" secrecy envelope. Do not make any marks on the secrecy envelope.
Your ballot must be enclosed and sealed in the secrecy envelope in order for your ballot to be counted.
Step 3:
Seal the secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed, bar-coded outer return envelope. Sign and date the voter's declaration on the back of the return envelope.
Your ballot must be signed, dated, and sealed in order for your ballot to be counted.
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Step 4:
Return your voted ballot to the York County Elections Office. The office must receive your voted ballot by 8:00 PM Election Day in order for your ballot to be counted.
Vote by mail ballots cannot be returned to the polling places on Election Day. Vote by mail ballots must either be returned to the office by mail or by hand-delivery.
Ballots can be returned by mail to the York County Elections & Voter Registration Office. The office must receive your voted ballot by 8:00 PM Election Day. Postmarks do not count! Please plan accordingly. Envelopes are pre-addressed, but our address is included below.
Mailing address is:
York County Elections & Voter Registration
York County Administrative Center
Room B003
28 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
Ballots can be returned in-person to the York County Elections & Voter Registration Office. Ballots must be received in the office by 8:00 PM Election Day.
The Elections Office is pleased to announce York County will be offering curb-side service for individuals to drop off their completed mail in ballots for the 2023 primary election.
If you a registered Democrat or Republican you may drop off your ballot in front of 28 E. Market Street, York County Administration Center on:
- Saturday, May 6th from 10am to 2pm;
- Sunday, May 14th from 10am to 2pm; and,
- Election Day, May 16th from 7am to 8pm.
Voters may also drop off their completed mail in ballots at the Elections counter located at 2401 Pleasant Valley beginning May 8th through May 16th between the hours of 8am to 4pm.
Drop off hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Drive-up drop off service:
The right lane of Market Street will be blocked off for voters to drive up to the staffed drop box to return their ballot.
Track Your Vote by Mail Ballot
Your vote by mail ballot status can be tracked online through PA Voter Services.