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Information For First-Time Voters

Elections

October 06, 2026

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Board of Election answers first-time voters’ most frequently asked questions ahead of Pennsylvania’s General Election on Nov 3.

Where do I go to vote?

There are 73 polling places within Franklin County. Voters must vote at the polling place assigned to them based on their home address. Polling place locations are listed on voters’ registration cards and can be verified at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov. The website also provides directions from voters’ homes to their polling places.

What time do polls open and close?

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Registered voters who are in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Do I need to show ID before I vote?

Yes, first-time voters are required to show either photo or non-photo identification before being issued a ballot. Those who are unable or unwilling to provide an approved form of identification may vote by a provisional ballot.

The following forms of photo identification are acceptable so long as they are not expired, canceled, or revoked:

  • Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
  • ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
  • ID issued by the U.S. Government
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. Armed Forces IDStudent ID
  • Employee ID

Those who do not have a photo ID can use one of the following items so long as it includes the voter’s name and address:

  • Voter registration card issued by the Voter Registration Office
  • Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
  • Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government
  • Firearm permit
  • Current utility bill
  • Current bank statement
  • Paycheck
  • Government check

What do I do if I cannot go to my polling place on Election Day?

Voters who cannot go or do not want to go to their polling places on Election Day may request an Absentee or Mail-In Ballot. Applications for both types of ballots are available online at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov or www.franklincountypa.gov. Applications may also be obtained from the Franklin County Voter Registration Office located at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg, or by calling 717-261-3886.

Who do I contact with questions regarding voting or the Election Day process?

All voter registration questions should be directed to the Franklin County Voter Registration Office at 717-261-3886. All election -related questions should be directed to the Franklin County Election Board at 717-261-3812. Additional election and voter registration information is available on the Franklin County website, www.franklincountypa.gov.

One Franklin County polling location has permanently changed ahead of the November election. Voters in the Fannett-Dry Run precinct will vote at the Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, 16950 Main St., Spring Run.

Additional information that would be helpful for first-time voters, is available on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website, www.pa.gov/agencies/vote/voter-support/new-voters, as well as at www.franklincountypa.gov.