Election Directives and Guidance

Pending litigation or legislation could change guidance at any time.

Voting Systems

Directive concerning access to electronic voting systems, including but not limited to the imaging of software and memory files, access to related internal components, and the consequences to county boards of allowing such access
Issued: July 8, 2021

Guidance for Primary Ballot to be compliant with 25 P.S. § 3031.9€
Issued: March 31, 2021

Guidance Concerning Electronic Voting System Security
Issued: October 13, 2020

Directive on Logic & Accuracy Testing
Issued: September 14, 2020

Election Results Reporting and Ballot Definition Directive
Issued: August 27, 2020

Directive concerning the conduct of electronic voting system examinations by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Issued: June 12, 2018

Directive Concerning Purchase of Voting Systems on or after 2/9/2018
Issued: February 9, 2018

Attachment A:  Request for Examination
Issued: September 11, 2017

Attachment B: Representation
Issued: June 12, 2018

Attachment C:  Explanation of the Pennsylvania Method
Issued: June 12, 2018

Attachment D: Indemnification and Warranty
Issued: September 11, 2017

Attachment E: Pennsylvania Voting System Security Standard
Issued: June 12, 2018

Post Election Reconciliation Checklist
Issued: 2016

Directive concerning the use, implementation, and operation of electronic voting systems by the county Boards of Elections
Issued: June 9, 2011

Use of Emergency Paper Ballots
Issued: August 1, 2008

Absentee & Mail-in Voting

Examination of Absentee and Mail-in Ballot Return Envelopes 2.0
Issued: May 24, 2022

Guidance Concerning Civilian Absentee and Mail-in Ballot Procedures      Issued: September 28, 2020

Absentee and Mail-in Return Guidance
Issued: August 19, 2020

Permanent Voter List Guidance
Issued: March 5, 2020

UOCAVA Compliance Measures - Protocol
Issued: August 2012

Polling Place Management

Guidance Concerning Poll Watchers and Authorized Representatives
Issued: October 28, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions about Schools Serving as Polling Places for November 2020 Election
Issued: September 1, 2020

Guidance on Election Operations During COVID-19
Issued: April 28, 2020

Guidance Concerning Voter Privacy at the Polling Place
Issued: March 11, 2020

Guidance on Rules in Effect at the Polling Place
Issued: October 2016

Guidance on Voter Intimidation
Issued: October 2016

Voter Identification Requirements
Issued: May 2015

Election Administration

Act 2022-88 Guidance                                                                                       Issued August 5, 2022

Act 2022-88 FAQ's                                                                                                    Issued August 5, 2022

Election Statutory Reference Guide
Issued: August 16, 2021

Statewide Return And Recount Directive And Procedures
Issued: November 1, 2020

Post-Election General Reconciliation Checklist
Issued: November 1, 2016

Alteration of Election Districts
Issued: November 6, 2014

County Election Administration Preparation Checklist
Issued: November 1, 2014

Accessible & Alternative Voting Options

Accessible Remote Absentee and Mail-In Voting for Voters with Disabilities
Updated: April 29, 2021

Voting Fact Sheet for Long Term Care Facilities
Updated: August 17, 2022

Voting Procedures for the Elderly and Handicapped

Voter Registration

HAVA-Matching Drivers' Licenses or Social Security Numbers for Voter Registration Applications
Issued: 2018

Verification of Driver's License and SSN Information
Issued: August 9, 2006

Useful Links

United States Election Assistance Commission

Federal Voting Assistance Program