Are you ready to vote
on November 3rd?
This November, Pennsylvanians choose a governor, every member of the U.S. House, the entire state House, and half of the state Senate. Those are the people who decide what is taught in our schools, how our neighborhoods are policed, and how our state responds to immigration enforcement. Make your plan before the deadlines.
What do Muslim voters care about?
Our advocacy is only as strong as our community's voice. Take three minutes to tell us which issues matter to you and your family, and what you want your representatives to fight for. Your answers shape our priorities and the conversations we have at the doors.
The people who write the rules are on this ballot.
The primary picked the nominees. November decides who serves. Every Congressional district, every state House seat, half the state Senate and the governor's office are up on November 3.
Who decides what
Sets the state budget, signs or vetoes legislation, and shapes how Pennsylvania handles immigration enforcement, education funding and civil rights.
All 17 Pennsylvania seats are up. Congress decides federal immigration policy, foreign aid and civil rights enforcement.
All 203 seats are up. The House writes the school funding formula, housing law and the rules your local police follow.
Half of the 50 seats are up. The Senate confirms appointments and must agree to every bill that becomes law.
District lines vary block by block, so look up your own sample ballot at vote.pa.gov before Election Day. CAIR Philadelphia is nonpartisan. We do not endorse or oppose any candidate or party.
You may be closer than you think.
The deadline to register for this election is Monday, October 19. Check your status, register, or update your address. It takes a few minutes.
Check if you are registered
Even if you have voted before, addresses change, names change, and rolls get updated. Make sure you are on the list.
Check my statusRegister or update online
Register, change your party, or update your address in about five minutes.
- You will need a PA driver's license, PennDOT ID, or the last four of your Social Security number
- To vote on November 3, register by October 19
- In November you can vote for any party's candidates, whatever your registration
Need help in person?
Our team and partners across our counties can help you register, fill out a mail ballot application, or answer questions in your language.
- Stop by a CAIR Philadelphia tabling events.
- Bring a friend or family member who is not registered yet
- Only U.S. citizens can register and vote
Register to Vote, Update Registration, or Request Ballot
How are you going to vote?
Pick one, then put it in your calendar. People who make a plan are far more likely to follow through.
Tuesday, November 3. Polls open 7 AM to 8 PM.
If you are in line by 8 PM, you can vote, even if it takes longer. Do not leave the line.
- 1Find your polling place. It is based on your registered address; see the county section below.
- 2Bring ID if it is your first time voting at that polling place. A photo ID works, or a document with your name and address such as a utility bill.
- 3If you are told you are not on the rolls, ask for a provisional ballot. Never leave without voting.
- 4If you face a problem, call your county election office or the voter protection hotline right away.
Apply, receive, return.
Your county must receive your application by 5 PM on Tuesday, October 27 and your completed ballot by 8 PM on November 3. A postmark does not count, so do not wait for the last day. Can you not wait for a ballot in the mail? Pennsylvania lets you request, complete and return one in a single visit to your county election office.
- 1Apply for a mail ballot at pa.cair.com/vote by 5 PM on October 27.
- 2When your ballot arrives, complete it in blue or black pen ink and fill in each oval completely.
- 3Seal your ballot in the inner secrecy envelope that says "official election ballot."
- 4Put the secrecy envelope inside the pre-addressed return envelope.
- 5Sign and date the voter declaration on the outside envelope. Both are required, and ballots without them can be rejected.
- 6Return it in person at your county election office or an official return location, or mail it early. It must be received by 8 PM on November 3. Pennsylvania generally requires you to deliver your own ballot.
Find your county. Find your polls.
Your polling place depends on your registered address and can change between elections. Your county election office has polling places, ballot return locations and direct help.
The Department of State has a lookup tool that works from your registered address.
PA Voter Services polling place lookupNobody gets to keep you from voting.
Intimidating, threatening or harassing a voter is against the law. If you are told you are not on the rolls, ask for a provisional ballot and never leave without voting. You do not need to remove a hijab or other religious head covering to vote.
Questions we hear most.
You must have been a U.S. citizen for at least one month before the election, be at least 18 by Election Day, and have lived in Pennsylvania and your election district for 30 days. That includes naturalized citizens. Only citizens can vote in federal and state elections.
Yes. Any registered Pennsylvania voter can request a mail ballot without giving a reason. Applications are available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Only if it is your first time voting at that polling place. A photo ID is accepted, or a document showing your name and address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
Ask for a provisional ballot, fill it out, and keep your receipt so you can check later whether it was counted.
Most people can. In Pennsylvania you cannot vote only if you are confined for a felony conviction and will not be released before the election, or if you were convicted of violating the Election Code in the last four years. People awaiting trial, serving a misdemeanor sentence, on probation or parole, or released from prison can vote, usually by mail ballot if they are confined.
No. This guide is nonpartisan. We exist so that Muslims and other Pennsylvanians have the information, language and support to take part fully in our democracy.