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
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
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 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