Your Vote, Your Voice: A Student Guide to the 2026 General Election

College is a time to find your voice and make it count. With the 2026 General Election approaching, now is the time to confirm your voter registration, understand your voting options, and make a plan to cast your ballot. Widener University's Center for Civic Engagement and Political Engagement Committee are here to help you feel informed and prepared.

Vote.gov: Register to vote, check your registration status, update your address, and find official voting information for your state.

NOT REGISTERED YET? Register to vote now so you are prepared for the 2026 General Election. Already registered? Check your Pennsylvania registration status and confirm that your name and address are current.

Why Vote?

Voting is a fundamental right and an important form of civic participation. Your ballot gives you an opportunity to express your priorities and help shape decisions affecting your community, state, and country.

How to Vote 

We’ve broken down the most critical steps for voter registration and confirming you’re all set to cast your ballot. 

Now, let’s get ready to vote! 

1. Decide Where You Want to Vote 

Eligible college students may register using their college address or their permanent home address, depending on the residency requirements of the state in which they register. You may cast only one ballot in an election.

Consider where you will be living on Election Day, whether you can travel to your assigned polling place, and whether voting by mail or voting early would be more convenient

Voting Using Your Widener Address

Students living on or near Widener's Chester campus may register to vote in Pennsylvania if they:

• Are citizens of the United States for at least one month before the election
• Will be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day
• Have lived in Pennsylvania and in their election district for at least 30 days before the election

A college residence hall may qualify as a student's Pennsylvania residence. Students who move or change their voting address should update their voter registration.

Voting from Your Hometown

Students who remain registered at their permanent home address should follow that state's voting rules. Depending on the state, you may vote in person on Election Day, vote during an early voting period, or request a mail-in or absentee ballot.

3. Understand Your Voting Options

Voting by Mail in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers two vote-by-mail options:

• Mail-in ballot: Any registered Pennsylvania voter may apply.
• Absentee ballot: Available to eligible voters who cannot vote at their polling place because of illness, disability, work, travel, or another qualifying reason.

For the November 3, 2026 General Election, county election offices must receive applications for mail-in or absentee ballots by 5:00 p.m. on October 27, 2026. Completed ballots must be received by the county election office by 8:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026. A postmark alone is not sufficient.

Completing a Pennsylvania Mail Ballot

1. Mark your ballot.
2. Place it in the official yellow secrecy envelope and seal it.
3. Place the secrecy envelope inside the outer return envelope.
4. Complete, sign, and date the voter declaration on the outer envelope.
5. Return the ballot early enough for your county election office to receive it by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

A ballot may not be counted if it is not enclosed in the secrecy envelope or if the voter declaration is incomplete.

Early Voting

Early voting options vary by state. Pennsylvania does not offer traditional early voting, but registered voters may apply for, receive, complete, and return a mail ballot in one visit to a county election office or another designated location through 5:00 p.m. on October 27, 2026.

• Delaware: October 22 - November 1, 2026
• Maryland: October 22-29, 2026 
• New Jersey: October 24-November 1, 2026 
• New York: October 24-November 1, 2026

4. Review Your Ballot

The candidates, offices, and ballot questions on your ballot depend on the address where you are registered. Before voting:

• Review a sample ballot from your state or county election office.
• Learn about the responsibilities of each office.
• Review information about candidates from several reliable sources.
• Read the complete wording of any ballot questions.
• Distinguish factual reporting from campaign materials and political advertising.

Nonpartisan Resources

• Your state or county election office - official registration, polling place, ballot, and deadline information
• Ballotpedia - candidate, election, and sample-ballot information
• FactCheck.org - reviews the factual accuracy of statements by candidates and public officials
• GovTrack - information about federal legislation and congressional voting records
• OpenSecrets - campaign finance and political spending information

5. Make Your Voting Plan

If you plan to vote in person, confirm:

• Your assigned polling location
• Polling hours
• Transportation
• Identification requirements
• Accessibility accommodations
• How much time to allow for possible lines

Pennsylvania polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026. Anyone in line by 8:00 p.m. should remain in line. Polling locations may change, so verify your polling place shortly before Election Day.

Identification for Pennsylvania Voters

Most Pennsylvania voters are not required to show identification every time they vote. However, voters must provide an approved photo or non-photo ID the first time they vote at a particular polling place.

Acceptable identification may include:

• Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT identification card
• U.S. passport
• Student identification card
• Military or employee identification card
• Voter registration card
• Current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check showing the voter's name and address

Students voting outside Pennsylvania should check their state's identification requirements.

Important Pennsylvania Dates

Get Involved & Stay Engaged 

Voting is one important part of civic participation. Widener students can also become involved by attending educational programs, participating in respectful conversations, volunteering in their communities, and learning how public decisions affect the people and places around them.

Watch for announcements from Widener's Center for Civic Engagement and Political Engagement Committee about voter registration, Constitution Day, election education, and other civic-engagement opportunities.

Verify Before You Vote
Election dates, polling locations, and voting procedures may change. Confirm current information through your state or local election office.

Dr. Marina Barnett, associate provost for civic engagement and associate professor of social work, is dedicated to advocacy and social justice. She believes everyone has inherent gifts to contribute to society and overcome personal challenges. Her courses emphasize key social work values—client partnership, non-judgment, and recognizing individual strengths—to inspire students as leaders capable of engaging any population and becoming active participants in their communities.