Registering to Vote

What are the Qualifications to Vote?

In order to be eligible to register to vote, you must:

• Be a citizen of the United States for at least one (1) month before the next election 
• Be a resident of Pennsylvania and your election district for at least thirty (30) days before the next election. 
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the next election.

If you are currently registered to vote, you do not have to do anything unless you have moved, or wish to change your name or political party affiliation.   

Qualifications for Voters at a Primary Election

The qualification for a voter entitled to vote at a primary are the same as a voter entitled to vote at a general election, except that he or she must be registered in a major political party (Democratic or Republican) in order to take part in and vote in that party's primary.  However, all registered voters are entitled to vote on questions placed on the ballot or at a special election held concurrently with a primary.   

How do I Register to Vote?

1. Register to Vote Online

2. Register to Vote in Person: You can register in person at the Franklin County Voter Registration Office which is located in the Administration building 272 n. Second st., Chambersburg, PA  17201 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Monday through Friday.

3.  Register to Vote by Mail:

• Obtain a state or federal voter mail application from a candidate, political party and other Federal, State and municipal offices.  You may also request one from the Department of State's website at http://www.vote.pa.com
• Download a voter registration application from this website.  Print, complete, sign and deliver to your County Voter Registration Office my mail or in person.

4.  Register to Vote at PennDOT:  Apply at the Department of Transportation photo license center when you obtain or update your driver's license.

5.  Register to Vote at Government Agencies:  You can also register to vote at many other state government offices, including:

• State offices that provide public assistance and services to persons with disabilities.
• Armed Forces Recruitment Centers
• County's Clerk of Court's office
• Area Agencies on Aging and County Mental Health/Mental Retardation offices
• Centers for Independent Living 

What is the Deadline to Register to Vote?

In accordance with Pennsylvania law, the deadline for voter registration is fifteen (15) days prior to each election. POSTMARKS DO NOT COUNT.

Voter registration reopens the day following any primary or election.

Important: To vote in primary elections, a voter would need to be registered with either the Democratic or Republican party. The only exception to this rule is if there would be a constitutional amendment or ballot question on the ballot which would be able to be voted on by all registered voters.

Once the registration application is processed, each voter will receive a voter registration card in the mail which will notate the location of their polling place.

Change of Party, Name and/or Address

A voter may change their party affiliation, name and/or address at any of the above-listed locations. The dates to make changes to your voter registration are the same dates as to register to vote.