10 Tuesdays Till The Election: Do My Parents Need to Come With Me To Vote?

Question: I just turned 18. Do my parents need to come with me to vote?

First of all, happy 18th birthday, and congratulations on becoming eligible to vote!

Our very first time voting can be both an exciting and daunting time; exciting because it feels like a right of passage as you cast your vote for the first time, and daunting due to the proliferation of misinformation surrounding voting.

While many parents may want to accompany their first-time voter as more of a family bonding moment…

Answer: Your parents do not need to come with you to vote. Voting is your right and responsibility as an adult, and you can do it independently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

First, ensure you're registered to vote. If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so online at vote.pa, where you can also find where to cast your vote in person, request a mail-in ballot, get instructions for voting by mail, and more. The deadline to register for the November 5th election is October 21, 2024.

On Election Day, head to your polling place. Bring a valid ID if it’s your first time voting at that location; acceptable forms of ID include a Pennsylvania driver’s license, passport, student ID, or any other valid government-issued ID.

Once you arrive at the polling place, check in with the poll workers who will confirm your registration. They will provide you with a ballot or direct you to a voting machine. Take your time to read the instructions carefully. If you have any questions or need assistance, poll workers are there to help.

After casting your vote, make sure to review your ballot to ensure you have voted in every race and filled in both sides of the ballot. If you encounter any issues or make a mistake, ask a poll worker for help—they can provide you with a new ballot if necessary.

Voting for the first time is an exciting milestone. Wear your “I Voted” sticker with pride and know that you’ve taken an important step in participating in democracy and making your voice heard!