It’s Election Day in Pennsylvania.
A team of Spotlight PA reporters will fan out across the state to talk to voters, attend candidate events, and bring you the latest on how the election is proceeding. You can find those updates below. As always, please donate to Spotlight PA if you appreciate this vital reporting.
Preparing to cast your ballot? We have a complete guide to everything you need to know, as well as information about the candidates for U.S. Senate, attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer.
Officials are warning the public to be patient, as it may take days to have unofficial results depending on how close the races are. The Associated Press will begin reporting results when the polls close at 8 p.m. — find those here.
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‘What do I need to bring with me to vote?’
3 a.m.
If this is your first time voting or your first time voting since changing addresses, you’ll need to bring proof of identification. This can include any government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or U.S. passport, a utility bill or bank statement that includes your name and address, or a military or student ID. See the full list of options. — Sarah Anne Hughes, Spotlight PA
How to report a problem while voting or get voting info
3 a.m.
If you need last-minute voting information, you can seek official answers from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 1-877-VOTESPA. The nonpartisan Election Protection coalition has its own hotline, as well: 866-OUR-VOTE.
If you need to lodge a complaint about something you experience while voting, you can call the state’s hotline (1-877-VOTESPA) or reach the department using this form.
Still preparing to cast your ballot? Read Spotlight PA’s complete coverage at our Election Center 2024 website. — Sarah Anne Hughes, Spotlight PA
What you need to know before heading to the polls
3 a.m.
For those of you heading out to the polls, here’s what you need to know:
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Double-check your polling place here.
In addition to nonpartisan poll workers, you may encounter partisan poll watchers who are sanctioned to observe polling places. Here’s what they can — and can’t — do.
Have a completed mail ballot? You can still drop it off today by 8 p.m. Some satellite offices and drop boxes will close before then, so make sure to look up your local details.
Have a mail ballot but want to vote in person? Bring all of the materials with you to your polling place.
Requested a mail ballot but it never came? You can still vote using a provisional ballot.
If you are facing a last-minute problem and can’t make it to the polls, you may qualify for an emergency absentee ballot. Read about those here.
Like in 2020, be prepared to exercise patience this week and beyond. Election officials can only begin processing mail and absentee ballots this morning, which means it may take days to report the full unofficial results.
Also, beware of mis- and disinformation about mail ballots, voting machines, and more. —Sarah Anne Hughes, Spotlight PA
