Skip to main content
Spotlight PA Home Spotlight PA Home

Journalism that Gets Results ℠

Main content
Elections

Pa. election 2026: How to vote, where to vote, and everything you need to know for Nov. 3

by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA |

People wait in line to vote Nov. 5, 2024, at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s 2026 general election is quickly approaching. If you still have questions about where your polling place is, who is on the ballot, and how to vote, Spotlight PA has you covered.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters across the commonwealth will cast their ballots for governor and lieutenant governor, along with the entire Pennsylvania House and half of the state Senate. All of Pennsylvania’s 17 congressional districts will also be up for election. There may be local ballot questions, depending where you live.

Before you submit your ballot, here’s a last-minute checklist of everything you’ll need to vote.

First, the basics:

Here’s what you can expect to see on your ballot:

  • In the race for governor, voters will choose between Democratic incumbent Josh Shapiro, Republican state treasurer Stacy Garrity, and Libertarian Ken Krawchuk. Each gubernatorial candidate is running alongside a candidate for lieutenant governor. Take our quiz to see which major party candidate for governor most closely aligns with what matters to you, and use this tool to see how much money Shapiro and Garrity have raised for their campaigns.

  • Aside from statewide races, the races and candidates on your ballot will depend on where you live. You may be able to find a sample ballot on your official county website, which you can locate using the Pennsylvania Department of State voting and election webpage.

  • All of Pennsylvania’s 17 congressional districts are on the ballot this year. Use this tool to find your district and check out our guide that covers all of the races, including the three that could determine which party controls the U.S. House for the next two years.

  • The entire Pennsylvania House and half the state Senate are on the ballot this year. Learn which races could determine control of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and check out Spotlight PA’s guide to vetting candidates to help you evaluate which candidates you want to send to or keep in Harrisburg.

There are no statewide ballot measures in November, but some voters may see local questions — for instance, Allegheny County and Philadelphia both have them. Check your county’s election website or sample ballot to learn exactly which races, candidates, and questions you will be voting for.

Read Spotlight PA’s complete coverage, including candidate and election guides, and more, at our 2026 Election Center.

A complete listing of Spotlight PA voter guides and coverage:

En Español: