Lesson 3: Applying for a Mail-In Ballot

Authentic Performance Task/Whole Class Activity

Applying for a Mail-In Ballot: Students that are actually applying to vote by mail will need a PennDOT ID or driver’s license to apply online, or their Social Security Number (last 4 digits).

• Students that are not eligible to vote should complete, but not submit, the paper application (Option 2 below). 
• Students go to Vote.PA.gov/MailBallot, the website of the Pennsylvania Department of State. They are in charge of the statewide regulatory administration of voting and elections. They pass on discretionary power locally to County Boards of Elections and Commissioners. The County Commissioners are elected officials in charge of elections in the city.
• Click “Mail-in & Absentee Ballots.”

Check for Understanding

Ask students to read the first section and ask them, What is the difference between a mail-in and absentee ballot? Which do you choose? In almost all cases, students should select “Mail-in Ballot.”

To apply for a mail-in ballot, eligible students have two options:

Option 1: apply for a Mail-in Ballot Online:
Students should use this option because it is fast, accurate, and the most efficient way to apply. They need a PennDOT ID, driver’s license, or Social Security Number. On Vote.PA.gov:
❑ Scroll down to Option 1 and choose language Vote.PA.gov/ApplyMailBallot / Solicite la papeleta de voto por correo
❑ Applicant Information: Name (exactly as it appears on your PennDOT ID), Date of Birth. Phone Number and Email are optional, but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED so you can be contacted if there’s a problem and the state can send you updates about your ballot.
❑ PennDOT ID number or Social Security Number

• If students do not have a PennDOT number, they will have to take a photo of their signature and upload it.

❑ Current Address (the residence where you actually live)
❑ Mailing Address (if different from your residence, for example a PO box. If it’s the same, click “Same as above”)
❑ Annual Mail-in Ballot Request: If you would like to apply to receive mail-in ballots for the remainder of this year and if you would like to automatically receive an annual application for mail-in ballots each year, please indicate below. (Choose this to receive both your primary and general election ballot by mail in one calendar year. Since the 2022 primary election has already passed, this option is moot. You’ll have the option to reapply for a mail-in ballot again in 2023.)
❑ Declaration: Read and sign (if true)
❑ Review and submit

Option 2: Apply for a Mail-in Ballot by mail (paper application):
❑ If you have a printer: Scroll down to Option 2 and choose language.

• Mail-in Ballot Application (English)
• Mail-in Ballot Application (Spanish)
• Type onto the fillable form everything below except your signature before printing. If you don’t have a printer: Have a paper application mailed to you.
• Complete the online request form to have a paper application mailed to you.

❑ Print your name (NEATLY, and exactly as you registered to vote)
❑ About you: Date of Birth is required.
❑ Phone Number and Email are optional, but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED so you can be contacted if there’s a problem and the state can send you updates about your ballot.
❑ Your Address (the residence where you actually live)
❑ Where to mail your ballot? (if different from your residence, for example a PO box. If it’s the same, click “Same as above”)
❑ Identification: If you have a PennDOT ID it’s better to use the online application above. Enter the Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
❑ Annual Mail-in Ballot Request If you would like to apply to receive mail-in ballots for the remainder of this year and if you would like to automatically receive an annual application for mail-in ballots each year, please indicate below. (Choose this to receive both your primary and general election ballot by mail in one calendar year. Since the 2022 primary election has already passed, this option is moot. You’ll have the option to reapply for a mail-in ballot again in 2023.)

❑ Declaration - Read and sign your signature (if true)
❑ Help with this form - This is only used if you are physically unable to complete and sign
your form. Otherwise, leave it blank.
❑ Review the whole form to be sure it’s complete and legible.
❑ Place in an envelope and seal:

• Address the envelope to your County Election Board
• Your return address goes in the top left corner
• A postage stamp must be placed in the top right corner.
• Bring to the Post Office or drop into a blue USPS mailbox as soon as possible.

❑ The County Election Office will send you a ballot and instructions. Look out for it!
❑ In the meantime, you can track the status of your mail-in ballot at Vote.PA.gov/MailBallotStatus
❑ You can also research the candidates and questions on the ballot.

Check for Understanding

Use thumbs up/down/sideways or posts on a Jamboard to see who
understands the process. Be sure students that are applying are able to complete the process.

Homework

Read the Youth Voter Toolkit. Write: How will, or would, you return your mail-in ballot?