PA Department of State

PA Department of State The official Facebook account for the Pennsylvania Department of State. Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar welcomes you to the official Department of State page.

Under the leadership of the Secretary of State, the Department of State promotes the integrity of the electoral process; provides the initial infrastructure for economic development through corporate organizations and transactions; and protects the health and safety of the public. The Department encourages the highest standards of ethics and competence in elections, campaign finance, notarization, professional and occupational licensure, charitable solicitations and athletics. By maintaining current technology, the agency provides exceptional public service remaining a leader in all regulatory and enforcement policies and practices, protecting every resident of the Commonwealth. Our vision is to become the premier Department of State in the nation by providing Accurate, Courteous and Timely service in elections, corporate and charitable filings and professional licensure. At the Department of State we ACT. Facebook Comment Policy: We encourage the public to comment on this page and welcome all viewpoints. Comments should remain relevant to the topic at hand and participants must treat each other with respect. We review the comments posted to our page on a regular basis and reserve the right to delete comments that contain the following: • Profane and/or vulgar content; • Sexually suggestive or harassing content; • Obscene content; • Nudity in a participant’s profile picture; • Threats of physical or bodily harm; • Defamatory statements; • Disparaging language or hate speech targeting an individual’s race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, or disability; • Commercial content promoting or soliciting service or products; • Content promoting political organizations; • Name-calling and/or personal attacks; • Spam, such as the same comment posted repeatedly; • Personally identifying, sensitive and/or private information; • Language or content suggesting or encouraging illegal activity; • Information that could reasonably compromise public safety; and • Other content that the Department of State deems inappropriate. We monitor this page but are not responsible for content generated by users. Comments and content posted on this page may be subject to public disclosure. Communications posted on this page will not be construed as satisfying requirements for legal notice or service, shall not be considered official public comment, and shall not be construed as an official request for records pursuant to the Right-to-Know Law. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. Continued use of this page following the posting of any modification signifies acceptance of such modification. Read the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s full Social Media Policy: http://on.pa.gov/social-media-policy

Operating as usual

10/15/2020

✔️ Am I registered to vote? Register online: register.votesPA.com
❓ Do I need to update my voter registration information? Check your status: votesPA.com/Status
#votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

10/15/2020

If you received a mail-in ballot, but don’t remember applying for one, it’s probably because you signed up to be an annual mail-in voter during the primary.

You can still vote in person by taking your unvoted mail ballot and both envelopes to your polling place to be voided.

If you do not return your voted mail-in ballot by the deadline and you want to vote in person, you have two options.1. B...
10/15/2020

If you do not return your voted mail-in ballot by the deadline and you want to vote in person, you have two options.

1. Bring your unvoted ballot and the pre-addressed outer return envelope to your polling place to be voided. You can then vote on your county’s voting system.

2. If you don’t have your ballot, you can vote by provisional ballot at your polling place. Your county board of elections will then verify that you didn’t vote by mail before counting your provisional ballot.
Learn more about mail-in voting: votesPA.com/MailBallot

When was the last time you checked your voter registration information? See if your information needs to be updated: vot...
10/15/2020

When was the last time you checked your voter registration information? See if your information needs to be updated: votesPA.com/status #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

The clock is ticking. October 19 is the last day to make changes to your voter registration for the general election. Up...
10/14/2020

The clock is ticking. October 19 is the last day to make changes to your voter registration for the general election. Update now: register.votesPA.com. #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

10/14/2020

Your ballot must be in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates official ballot & the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign. Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm, Nov 3. Find where to return your voted ballot: www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Return-Ballot.aspx

Sec Boockvar reminded voters they will receive a mail ballot if they opted to be on the annual mail ballot list prior to...
10/14/2020

Sec Boockvar reminded voters they will receive a mail ballot if they opted to be on the annual mail ballot list prior to the primary. When voters choose to be added to the list, they automatically will receive a ballot for all elections in that year. https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/State-details.aspx?newsid=413

10/14/2020

Voting by mail ballot is safe, secure, and easy. As soon as you receive your ballot, follow the instructions provided to complete your ballot.

Don't wait. Return your ballot today: votesPA.com/ReturnBallot

PA voters can request, receive, mark and cast their mail-in or absentee ballot all in one visit to their county election...
10/13/2020

PA voters can request, receive, mark and cast their mail-in or absentee ballot all in one visit to their county election office or other designated location. Cast your vote at your convenience.

Learn more about early voting: votesPA.com/EarlyVoting
#votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

10/13/2020

Read the instructions & mark your ballot. Seal the ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates “official” ballot. Place the secrecy envelope inside the pre-addressed outer return envelope where you must sign. Learn more about mail-in voting: votesPA.com/MailBallot

Whether you plan to vote in-person or by mail-in ballot, the first step is to register to vote. There are only 6 days un...
10/13/2020

Whether you plan to vote in-person or by mail-in ballot, the first step is to register to vote. There are only 6 days until the October 19 voter registration deadline: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

Some counties have set up drop boxes, drop-off locations, & other means of returning mail-in ballots. Mail ballots must ...
10/13/2020

Some counties have set up drop boxes, drop-off locations, & other means of returning mail-in ballots. Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm on Nov 3. Find where to return your voted ballot: www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Return-Ballot.aspx

Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm, Nov 3. Your ballot must be in the white inner secrecy envelope that...
10/12/2020

Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm, Nov 3. Your ballot must be in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates official ballot & the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign.

Find how to return your voted ballot: www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Return-Ballot.aspx

How to return your voted ballot:- Seal your voted ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates “official” b...
10/12/2020

How to return your voted ballot:
- Seal your voted ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates “official” ballot.
- Seal the secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter signs.
- Sign and return to your county board of elections.

Sec Boockvar today reminded Pennsylvanians that they have one week left to register to vote and 15 days left to apply fo...
10/12/2020

Sec Boockvar today reminded Pennsylvanians that they have one week left to register to vote and 15 days left to apply for a mail ballot for the Nov. 3 election. https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/State-details.aspx?newsid=412

Register today: register.votesPA.com
Apply for a mail-in ballot: votesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot

Want to vote now? Go to your county election office or other designated location and apply for a mail-in ballot in perso...
10/12/2020

Want to vote now? Go to your county election office or other designated location and apply for a mail-in ballot in person. Wait for your application to be processed and, if eligible, receive your ballot right away. Vote and return your ballot on the spot: votesPA.com/EarlyVoting

PA voters have ONE WEEK to register to vote in the Nov 3 general election. Update your voter registration information or...
10/12/2020

PA voters have ONE WEEK to register to vote in the Nov 3 general election. Update your voter registration information or register to vote today: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

10/11/2020

Examples of voter intimidation include, but are not limited to:
• Spreading misleading election information
• Blocking polling places
• Confronting, hovering over or questioning voters
• Asking for documentation
Watch Sec. Boockvar's conference: https://pacast.com/m?p=18305

Make your voice heard on election day. Register to vote today: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA
10/11/2020

Make your voice heard on election day. Register to vote today: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

10/10/2020

All PA voters have three ways to vote:

🗳️ Vote at your polling place on Nov 3
✉️ Vote by mail ballot
🏢 Vote early in person with a mail ballot at your county election board office or other designated location

Watch the entire conference: https://pacast.com/m?p=18305

"I went to the election office today, 25 days before the election, applied for a mail ballot, filled it out and cast it,...
10/10/2020

"I went to the election office today, 25 days before the election, applied for a mail ballot, filled it out and cast it, all in one visit."

Secretary Boockvar used the new option of early voting in person by mail ballot. All PA voters can vote this way: votesPA.com/EarlyVoting

Sec Boockvar cast her ballot today by voting early in person by mail ballot at the Bucks County Election Office. PA vote...
10/09/2020

Sec Boockvar cast her ballot today by voting early in person by mail ballot at the Bucks County Election Office. PA voters can request, receive, mark and cast their mail ballot all in one visit to their county election office or other designated location. https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/state-details.aspx?newsid=411

Our PA Voter Services website, including Online Voter Registration and the mail ballot request form, will undergo schedu...
10/09/2020

Our PA Voter Services website, including Online Voter Registration and the mail ballot request form, will undergo scheduled system maintenance and be unavailable Friday, October 9, 2020, from 7 pm to approximately 9 pm. We thank you for your understanding.

Some counties have set up drop boxes, drop-off locations, & other means of returning mail-in ballots. See if your county...
10/09/2020

Some counties have set up drop boxes, drop-off locations, & other means of returning mail-in ballots. See if your county has drop locations at votesPA.com/DropBox. The list of drop box locations will be updated as more information becomes available.

Your ballot must be in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates “official” ballot & the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign. Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm on Nov 3.
Return your voted ballot to your county board of election office or other designated site: votesPA.com/County

Don’t wait any longer. There are only 10 days until the voter registration deadline to vote in the November election: re...
10/09/2020

Don’t wait any longer. There are only 10 days until the voter registration deadline to vote in the November election: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA #TrustedInfo2020

10/09/2020
What Happens to Your Mail-in or Absentee Ballot After You Return it?

Mail-in voting is a safe and secure way for Pennsylvanians to vote in the Nov 3 election. Watch this video to learn about what happens after you put your mail-in or absentee ballot in the mail or drop it off in person.

Learn more about mail-in voting: votesPA.com/MailBallot

10/08/2020

Mail ballots are in the process of being mailed. Don’t wait until the last minute to return your voted mail-in ballot. Voted mail-in ballots must be POSTMARKED OR RETURNED in-person by 8 pm on election day.

Watch Sec. Boockvar's conference: https://pacast.com/m?p=18305

Sec Boockvar reminded PA voters that they can vote early in person by mail ballot at county election offices and satelli...
10/08/2020

Sec Boockvar reminded PA voters that they can vote early in person by mail ballot at county election offices and satellite election offices. Be sure to check the office hours. https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/state-details.aspx?newsid=410

Learn more about voting early in person by mail ballot: votesPA.com/EarlyVoting

10/08/2020

In order to be eligible to register to vote you must be:
☑️ A U.S. citizen
☑️ A PA resident for at least 30 days before next election
☑️ 18 years old by the next election
If you checked all these boxes, then register to vote at register.votesPA.com #votesPA

10/08/2020

Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm, Nov 3. Your ballot must be in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates official ballot & the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign.

Find how to return your voted ballot: VotesPA.com/MailBallot

Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm, Nov 3. Your ballot must be in the white inner secrecy envelope that...
10/07/2020

Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm, Nov 3. Your ballot must be in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates official ballot & the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign.

Find where to return your mail ballot: VotesPA.com/County

10/07/2020

📝 Change your name?
🏠 Did you recently move?
🗳️ Want to change your party affiliation?
Don't forget to update your voter information ➡️ register.votespa.com

How to return your voted ballot:- Seal your voted ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates “official” b...
10/06/2020

How to return your voted ballot:
- Seal your voted ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates “official” ballot.
- Seal the secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter signs.
- Sign and return to your county board of elections.

Pennsylvania voters have less than 2 weeks left to register to vote before the Nov. 3 presidential election. Secretary o...
10/06/2020

Pennsylvania voters have less than 2 weeks left to register to vote before the Nov. 3 presidential election. Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today urged Pennsylvanians to check their voter registration status at votesPA.com/status. Read more: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/state-details.aspx?newsid=409

10/06/2020

Important Dates:
Oct 19 – Voter registration deadline
Oct 27 – Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot
Nov 3 – Voted mail-in ballots must be postmarked or returned by 8 pm on election day (Postmarked ballots must be received before 5 pm on Nov 6)
Nov 3 – Polls are open

Address

Harrisburg, PA

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Website

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Videos

✔️ Am I registered to vote? Register online: register.votesPA.com ❓ Do I need to update my voter registration information? Check your status: votesPA.com/Status #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

If you received a mail-in ballot, but don’t remember applying for one, it’s probably because you signed up to be an annual mail-in voter during the primary. You can still vote in person by taking your unvoted mail ballot and both envelopes to your polling place to be voided.

Your ballot must be in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates official ballot & the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign. Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm, Nov 3. Find where to return your voted ballot: www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Return-Ballot.aspx

Voting by mail ballot is safe, secure, and easy. As soon as you receive your ballot, follow the instructions provided to complete your ballot. Don't wait. Return your ballot today: votesPA.com/ReturnBallot

Read the instructions & mark your ballot. Seal the ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates “official” ballot. Place the secrecy envelope inside the pre-addressed outer return envelope where you must sign. Learn more about mail-in voting: votesPA.com/MailBallot

Examples of voter intimidation include, but are not limited to: • Spreading misleading election information • Blocking polling places • Confronting, hovering over or questioning voters • Asking for documentation Watch Sec. Boockvar's conference: https://pacast.com/m?p=18305

All PA voters have three ways to vote: 🗳️ Vote at your polling place on Nov 3 ✉️ Vote by mail ballot 🏢 Vote early in person with a mail ballot at your county election board office or other designated location Watch the entire conference: https://pacast.com/m?p=18305

What Happens to Your Mail-in or Absentee Ballot After You Return it?
What Happens to Your Mail-in or Absentee Ballot After You Return it?

Mail-in voting is a safe and secure way for Pennsylvanians to vote in the Nov 3 election. Watch this video to learn about what happens after you put your mail-in or absentee ballot in the mail or drop it off in person. Learn more about mail-in voting: votesPA.com/MailBallot

Mail ballots are in the process of being mailed. Don’t wait until the last minute to return your voted mail-in ballot. Voted mail-in ballots must be POSTMARKED OR RETURNED in-person by 8 pm on election day. Watch Sec. Boockvar's conference: https://pacast.com/m?p=18305

In order to be eligible to register to vote you must be: ☑️ A U.S. citizen ☑️ A PA resident for at least 30 days before next election ☑️ 18 years old by the next election If you checked all these boxes, then register to vote at register.votesPA.com #votesPA

Mail ballots must be RETURNED OR POSTMARKED by 8 pm, Nov 3. Your ballot must be in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates official ballot & the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign. Find how to return your voted ballot: VotesPA.com/MailBallot

📝 Change your name? 🏠 Did you recently move? 🗳️ Want to change your party affiliation? Don't forget to update your voter information ➡️ register.votespa.com

Important Dates: Oct 19 – Voter registration deadline Oct 27 – Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot Nov 3 – Voted mail-in ballots must be postmarked or returned by 8 pm on election day (Postmarked ballots must be received before 5 pm on Nov 6) Nov 3 – Polls are open

Do you have a busy schedule? Mail-in voting allows you to vote without the lines on election day. Apply online for a mail-in or absentee ballot for the Nov 3 general election. Apply ONLINE: votesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot Learn more: votesPA.com/MailBallot #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

Many PA voters have used the mail to vote by absentee ballot for years. Mail-in ballots are handled with the same protocols as absentee ballots, from the application to the canvassing of the ballot. Watch Sec. Boockvar's weekly press conference: https://pacast.com/m?p=18296

Did you know you can see the status of your mail-in or absentee ballot? 🔎 Track your ballot's progress from when your county receives your application, to when they receive your voted ballot at http://votesPA.com/MailBallotStatus. #votesPA #TrustedInfo2020

✔️ Am I registered to vote? Register online: register.votesPA.com ❓ Where can I check my voter registration information? Check your status online: votesPA.com/Status #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA #TrustedInfo2020

Mark your mail-in ballot and seal it in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates “official” ballot. Place that inside the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign. Watch Sec. Boockvar's weekly press conference: pacast.com/m?p=18296

There are ID requirements for mail-in ballots that prevent a voter from requesting a ballot on behalf of another voter. Election laws prohibit requesting a ballot for another person, and there are criminal provisions to punish violators. Learn more: votesPA.com/MailBallot

Mail-in ballots are secure. Many PA voters have used the mail to vote by absentee ballot. Mail-in ballots are handled with the same protocols and verification as absentee ballots, from application to canvassing the ballot. Learn more: votesPA.com/MailBallot

Do you have a busy schedule? Mail-in voting allows you to vote and skip the lines on election day. Apply online for a mail-in or absentee ballot for the Nov 3 general election. Apply ONLINE: votesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot Learn more: votesPA.com/MailBallot #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

Today’s #ThursdayTrivia tests your knowledge about voter registration in Pennsylvania. Are you registered to vote for the November 3 general election? Register online: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

✔️ Am I registered to vote? Register online: register.votesPA.com ❓ Do I need to update my voter registration information? Check your status: votesPA.com/Status #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

PA voters have submitted more than 2 million applications for a safe, secure and convenient mail-in or absentee ballot. You can join them by applying for your mail-in ballot: votesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

Democracy is a team sport!
Democracy is a team sport!

Democracy is a team sport! We appreciate the players & coaches from the commonwealth’s premier teams helping to spread the word about voting options for the November 3 general election. 📨Learn about mail-in voting: votesPA.com/mailballots ✅Register to vote: votesPA.com/register #votesPA #TrustedInfo2020 Pittsburgh Steelers Penn State Football Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia 76ers

#ThursdayTrivia True or False: If I change my name, I must update my voter registration. TRUE. You can update your name and other information online: register.votesPA.com

Apply for a mail-in ballot online, by mail or at your county election office. #votesPA #ReadyToPlay 💻 Apply online: votesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot 📃 Download a paper application: votesPA.com/MailBallot 🏢 Apply at your county’s election board office: votesPA.com/County

Do you have a busy schedule? Mail-in voting allows you to vote without the lines on election day. Apply online for a mail-in or absentee ballot for the Nov 3 general election. Apply ONLINE: votesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot Learn more: votesPA.com/MailBallot #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

Today’s #ThursdayTrivia asks: “I moved last year. Do I need to update my voter registration?” Check your voter registration status: votesPA.com/Status Update your voter registration information: register.votesPA.com #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

Mail-in voting is an easy and secure voting option for all eligible PA voters. Learn more about mail-in voting: votesPA.com/MailBallot Apply for your mail-in ballot today at votesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot #votesPA #ReadyToVotePA

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Welcome to the official Pennsylvania Department of State page. Under the leadership of the Secretary of State, the Department of State promotes the integrity of the electoral process; provides the initial infrastructure for economic development through corporate organizations and transactions; and protects the health and safety of the public. The Department encourages the highest standards of ethics and competence in elections, campaign finance, notarization, professional and occupational licensure, charitable solicitations and athletics. By maintaining current technology, the agency provides exceptional public service remaining a leader in all regulatory and enforcement policies and practices, protecting every resident of the Commonwealth. Our vision is to become the premier Department of State in the nation by providing Accurate, Courteous and Timely service in elections, corporate and charitable filings and professional licensure. At the Department of State we ACT. Facebook Comment Policy: We encourage the public to comment on this page and welcome all viewpoints. Comments should remain relevant to the topic at hand and participants must treat each other with respect. We review the comments posted to our page on a regular basis and reserve the right to delete comments that contain the following: • Profane and/or vulgar content; • Sexually suggestive or harassing content; • Obscene content; • Nudity in a participant’s profile picture; • Threats of physical or bodily harm; • Defamatory statements; • Disparaging language or hate speech targeting an individual’s race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, or disability; • Commercial content promoting or soliciting service or products; • Content promoting political organizations; • Name-calling and/or personal attacks; • Spam, such as the same comment posted repeatedly; • Personally identifying, sensitive and/or private information; • Language or content suggesting or encouraging illegal activity; • Information that could reasonably compromise public safety; and • Other content that the Department of State deems inappropriate. We monitor this page but are not responsible for content generated by users. Comments and content posted on this page may be subject to public disclosure. Communications posted on this page will not be construed as satisfying requirements for legal notice or service, shall not be considered official public comment, and shall not be construed as an official request for records pursuant to the Right-to-Know Law. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. Continued use of this page following the posting of any modification signifies acceptance of such modification. Read the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s full Social Media Policy: http://on.pa.gov/social-media-policy

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