First-Time Voters

If you’re voting for the first time in an upcoming election, the information below can help you ensure you’re prepared once you arrive at the polls. You’ll want to make sure to:

• Know the location of your polling place. It is listed on the voter confirmation card you received after registering.
• Familiarize yourself with the voting system at your polling place by viewing the voting system demonstration. Select "York" from the drop-down list of counties. 
• If you're a new United States citizen living in Pennsylvania, you might also want to review this Guide For New Citizens, which is produced by the state of Pennsylvania.

Know When Polling Places Open and Close

In Pennsylvania, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bring Identification

All voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show proof of identification. All photo IDs must contain an expiration date unless otherwise noted. Approved forms of photo identification include:

• Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card (IDs are valid for voting purposes 12 months after expiration date)
• Employee photo ID issued by federal, county or municipal governments (not expired)
• U.S. passport (not expired)
• U.S. military ID - active duty and retired military (a military or veteran's ID must designate an expiration date or designate that the ID is indefinite). Military dependents' ID must contain an expiration date
• Photo ID cards from an accredited public or private Pennsylvania college or university (cannot be expired)
• Photo ID cards issued by a Pennsylvania care facility, including long-term care facilities, assisted living residences or personal care homes (cannot be expired). 

If you do not have a photo ID, you may be entitled to get one free of charge at a PennDOT Driver License Center. For more information about the ID requirements, please click here. 

If you are voting for the first time and you intend to vote by absentee ballot, please include a copy of a form of identification with your voter registration application. 

If you do not bring your ID on Election Day, vote with a provisional ballot. You will have six days to provide your photo ID and/or affirmation to our office to have your ballot count. 

Confirmation

You are not registered to vote until your application has been processed and accepted by the York County Department of Elections and Voter Registration. If accepted, we will send you, via nonforwardable mail, a confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation within 14 days of the date you submit the application, contact us.

Getting Assistance While Voting

Voters who have a disability, have physical limitations or have limited English proficiency can ask for assistance at the polling place. Voters may also contact our office before Election Day to ask for assistance.

What To Do If You Have a Complaint

On Election Day, most complaints can be handled by the Judge of Elections at your polling place.

However, for some complaints concerning regulation of Election Day activities, contact the York County Department of Elections & Voter Registration.

If you feel that a violation of Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur, you may file a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Any voter who wishes to file a formal complaint may visit the HAVA (Help America Vote Act) site to download a “Title III Complaint Form” or request a complaint form at the polling place.