Election Day is a week away, on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Voters will go to the polls nationwide to cast ballots for Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump as their choice for the next president of the United States.
In Pennsylvania, Republican Dave McCormick is challenging incumbent Democrat Bob Casey for a U.S. Senate seat. In Lancaster, voters will decide whether to approve a home rule charter. If they do, it will take effect in January.
The deadline to register to vote on Nov. 5 has passed; it was last Monday, Oct. 21. The last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Below is an FAQ for Lancaster County voters. You may also want to read the county board of elections’ “Tips on How to Be a Prepared Voter.” Additional information is available on the board of elections’ website and Pennsylvania’s official voter information website.
How do I find my polling place?
Lancaster County’s list of polling locations is here. You can also visit this link and input your address.
Three polling places have been changed for the upcoming election, and a fourth has a new name but the same address, as follows:
Lancaster City – Fourth Ward, First Precinct
- From: Teen Haven
205 S Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603 - To: The Lord’s House of Prayer
133 E Vine St., Lancaster, PA 17602
Lancaster City – Sixth Ward, Fourth Precinct
- From: Ebenezer Baptist Church
701 N Lime St., Lancaster, PA 17602 - To: Otterbein United Methodist Church
20 E Clay St., Lancaster, PA 17602
Lancaster Township – Third District (*name change only*)
- From: Lancaster Township Fire Dept.
125 Fairview Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603 - To: Cristo Luz de Salvacion
125 Fairview Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603
Providence Township – East District
- From: Smithville Church of God
595 Pennsy Road, New Providence, PA 17560 - To: Providence Church, 269 Cinder Road
New Providence, PA 17560
How do I request an absentee or mail-in ballot?
If you have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID number, you can apply online here.
Otherwise, you must submit a paper application form to the Lancaster County Elections Office, 150 N. Queen St. The deadline for your application to be received is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29.
How do I fill out and return my mail-in ballot?
A step-by-step guide is here. Fill out your ballot in blue or black ink, seal it in the YELLOW secrecy envelope, then put that envelope in the WHITE return envelope.
Sign and date the voter declaration on the outside envelope. The date should be the actual date you filled out the ballot and should fall between Sept. 20 and Nov. 5, 2024.
“If you do not complete the declaration on the return envelope your ballot will not be counted,” the Department of State says. To ensure your ballot is counted, follow the law to the letter and sign and date the envelope as directed.
How late can I return a mail-in ballot?
Whether you mail it or return it by hand, your ballot must arrive at the county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks do not count. If you don’t think there’s enough time left for the postal service to deliver your ballot, you should return it by hand to the county Elections Office, 150 N. Queen St., Lancaster.
The office is normally open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is offering extended drop-off hours in the days before the election, as follows:
For early voting by mail-in or absentee ballot:
- Tuesday, Oct. 28: 5 to 7 p.m.
To drop off mail-in or absentee ballots at the Election Office counter:
- Thursday, Oct. 31: 5 to 7 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 1: 5 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 2: 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
When will the polls be open?
From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
How do I find out who is on the ballot?
Use the Lancaster County Specimen Ballot Viewer. A complete list of candidates in all Pennsylvania jurisdictions is available here. The county’s official candidate listing for the election is here.
What voting system does Lancaster County use?
Lancaster County uses paper ballots that voters fill in by hand. They are then scanned. Click here for a step-by-step guide to the process.
Do I need ID to vote?
First-time voters in a precinct will be asked for identification. Thereafter, it is not required.
Where can I learn more about the candidates?
The links below go to candidate profiles and voter guides from various news sources and organizations:
- Vote411.org: A comprehensive resource maintained by the League of Women Voters. Input your address to see voter and candidate information for your area.
- LNP 2024 Voters Guide: A roundup of coverage including profiles of candidates in state and local races.
- Spotlight PA 2024 Voters Guide: A roundup of coverage, including profiles of all Congressional and statewide races in Pennsylvania.
Where can I learn more about home rule?
Lancaster’s Home Rule Study Commission page has links to the proposed Lancaster city home rule charter (PDF) along with background documents and other information.
