PENNSYLVANIA— Pennsylvania voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to cast their in-person ballot or return a vote-by-mail ballot for the 2024 general election. As voters head to the polls, Common Cause Pennsylvania is reminding voters that it may take days for election officials to finalize results.

“This election is going to come down to the wire and it’s crucial all voters have a say in Pennsylvania’s future,” said Philip Hensley-Robin, Common Cause Pennsylvania Executive Director. “After the voting, the counting begins, and counting every vote accurately takes time. While we’re all anxious for the results, the most important thing is that every vote is counted, and we respect our voting process.”

In Pennsylvania, elections officials cannot begin processing mail-in ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day. Whereas other states will have already started counting ballots, a process known as “pre-canvassing,” Pennsylvania will begin counting on Election Day. That is why millions of votes will not be unlikely be counted by midnight on Election Day, and why leads in races, including the presidential race, may change as the night goes on and into the following day.

In 2020, 76% of registered voters cast a ballot and 38% of the votes were cast before Election Day.

Voters who experience any challenges or have questions with the voting process are encouraged to call or text the hotline to connect with experts who can help.  

The nonpartisan voter assistance hotline is available in multiple languages: 

• ENGLISH: 866-OUR-VOTE / 866-687-8683  

• SPANISH: 888-VE-Y-VOTA / 888-839-8682  

• ASIAN LANGUAGES: 888-API-VOTE / 888-274-8683  

• ARABIC: 844-YALLA-US / 844-925-5287 

Key Information for Election Day:  

• The first time you vote, you must bring a photo or non-photo ID.   

• The busiest times of day to vote are in the morning and evening. If you can, try going at less busy times.

• Polls are open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• If you are in line at or before 8 p.m. (when polls close), you will be allowed to cast your vote.

• Elections officials cannot begin processing mail-in ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day.

• It is unlikely a winner in races will officially be called on Election Day.  

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