Ten Tuesdays Till The Election: I just got out of jail. Can I vote?
There are a lot of folks wondering this, whether for themselves or their family members or friends. Many folks might plan not to vote because they view their former record or even their current status as a barrier to casting their vote.
Powered By Vote.Pa
Question: “I just got out of jail. Can I vote?”
There are a lot of folks wondering this, whether for themselves or their family members or friends. Many folks might plan not to vote because they view their former record or even their current status as a barrier to casting their vote. However, they might be pleasantly surprised when they learn the answer…
YES you can absolutely vote! In Pennsylvania, your right to vote depends on your incarceration status. If you have been released from jail, even if you're on probation or parole, you are eligible to vote. If you are in jail, you may still be eligible to vote as long as you are not currently incarcerated or at a halfway house or other alternative correctional facility for a felony conviction.
If you are not under house arrest or living in a halfway house, you can vote in person at your local polling place on Election Day. If you are under house arrest or living in a halfway house, you can vote by mail. Be aware that you cannot use the halfway house address as your registration address, but you can use it as your mailing address. Instead, you should use your previous address or the address where you plan to live after leaving the halfway house. The deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is October 29, 2024.
Check your registration status atvote.pa, where you can also register for the first time, update your address, request a mail-in ballot, find local voting information, get instructions for voting by mail, and more. The deadline to register for the November 5th election is October 21, 2024.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the voting process, you can call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). They provide help to all voters, regardless of their political party.
Voting is a powerful way to have a say in your community and beyond. By participating in elections, you help shape the future and ensure that your voice is heard.
