Pennsylvania Redistricting Pennsylvania redraws its state legislative districts every 10 years after the census through the Legislative Reapportionment Commission, which includes four legislative leaders and a chair selected by the members or appointed by the state Supreme Court. Congressional redistricting also occurs every 10 years through the legislative process. The current congressional map was established following a 2022 Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision. In 2025, Pennsylvania chose not to pursue mid-decade redistricting.
Vote by Mail Pennsylvania meets all seven of the criteria. In addition, it has an annual absentee voter list where any voter can automatically receive absentee ballots for every election.
In-person Early Voting Although Pennsylvania does not offer traditional early in-person voting, voters may visit their county election office to request, receive, vote, and submit an early mail ballot during a single visit. Counties may offer early on-demand mail ballot voting up to 50 days before an election, but date of availability varies by county. Voters should therefore contact their county election office for specific information regarding early voting availability and schedules. Proof of identification is required to request a mail ballot.
2026 Voting Rights Scorecard
current utility bill, and more. To request an absentee or mail ballot, Pennsylvania voters must provide a current and valid driver’s license or PennDOT ID number, or the last four (4) digits of their social security number.
Access to Polling Places In Pennsylvania, the county Boards of Elections determine the location and quantity of polling places and may change the location of a polling place at any time. The state requires county boards to “make every effort to select polling places that provide all electors with an environment that is free from intimidation and violence,” but without oversight, there is no guarantee of accessibility of polling places. While voting is occurring at the polling place, only ten (10) voters are allowed inside the polling place at a time. All others waiting to vote must stand outside the voting area.
CBCF’s scorecard evaluates voting rights and access to the electoral process across 15 states with large Black populations. This fact sheet highlights key laws, policies, and recent developments affecting voting access in Pennsylvania.
Disinformation Campaigns Pennsylvania does not have any laws to combat disinformation in elections.
Felon Disenfranchisement In Pennsylvania, most individuals who have been released from incarceration following a felony conviction are eligible to vote. People with felony convictions may vote while on parole or probation if they are not currently incarcerated. The only individuals prohibited from voting are those who are currently incarcerated and those who have been convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s Election Code within the last four years. Once that four-year has passed, they regain their eligibility to vote.
Voter ID Laws Pennsylvania requires first time voters or previous voters who are voting at a polling place for the first time to present some proof of identification. Once satisfied, voters are no longer required to show ID unless they move to a new precinct and are assigned to a new polling place. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver’s license, a
Key
Inclusive voting policies: These states implement policies that protect and uphold the right to vote.
Moderate restrictions on voting: These states have policies that impose limitations on voting rights but maintain notable access for most voters.
Highly restrictive voting policies: These states enforce policies that severely limit voting rights and access.
For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, visit www.vote411.org/pennsylvania Explore the full 2026 Voting Rights Scorecard