Your Columbia & Montour County Voter Guide For the 2026 Elections

Your Guide to Voting in the 2026 General Election

Election season is here. Between the television ads, campaign text messages, yard signs and political conversations, voters are surrounded by information. With so much coming at you at once, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming.

The good news? Preparing to vote doesn’t have to be complicated.

Pennsylvania’s General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Whether you plan to vote in person or by mail, here are the steps you can take to make sure you’re ready.

Step 1: Check Your Voter Registration

Before researching candidates or making a plan for Election Day, start with the basics: Are you registered to vote?

Pennsylvania voters can check their registration status online. This is also a good opportunity to make sure information such as your name and address is current.

Check your Pennsylvania voter registration status.

Not registered yet? The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania for the November 3rd General Election is October 19, 2026.

Eligible voters can register online, by mail or through designated government agencies. Before submitting an application, review Pennsylvania's voter registration requirements to make sure you have the information you need.

Review voter registration requirements.
Register to vote online.

Prefer paper? Pennsylvania also provides a printable voter registration application that can be mailed to your county election office.

Step 2: Know Where You'll Vote

Planning to vote in person? Make sure you know where you're going before Election Day.

Polling locations are assigned based on a voter's registered address and can be found through Pennsylvania's online polling place search.

Find your polling place.

On Election Day, Pennsylvania polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you can remain in line to vote.

Residents can also find local election information through their county election offices:

Columbia County Voting Information
Montour County Voting Information

Step 3: Know What's on Your Ballot

Once your registration is confirmed, take some time to become familiar with what will appear on your ballot.

Reviewing a ballot ahead of Election Day gives voters an opportunity to research the candidates and offices on their own time rather than seeing the choices for the first time in the voting booth.

View the Official General Election Ballot for Columbia County.
View the Official General Election Ballot for Montour County.

Voters can also use an address-specific ballot resource to see races relevant to where they live.

Step 4: Voting by Mail? Don't Miss the Deadline

Pennsylvania registered voters also have the option to vote by mail-in ballot.

The deadline for county election offices to receive an application for a mail-in or absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on October 27, 2026.

Voters can apply online, submit a paper application to their county election office or apply in person.

Apply for a mail ballot online.
Download a mail ballot application.
Track your mail ballot.

If you plan to return your completed ballot through the U.S. Postal Service, allow plenty of time for delivery.

Most importantly, simply having your ballot postmarked by Election Day is not enough. Your county election office must receive your completed mail ballot by 8 p.m. on November 3, 2026 for it to be counted.

Depending on what your county offers, ballots may also be returned directly to the county election office or an authorized ballot drop box or satellite location.

Find county election offices and available ballot return information.

Mark Your Calendar

Keep these three dates in mind as Election Day approaches:

October 19, 2026: Deadline to register to vote

October 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.: Deadline for your county election office to receive your mail-in or absentee ballot application

November 3, 2026: General Election Day; polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and completed mail ballots must be received by county election offices by 8 p.m.

Be Prepared Before Election Day

Voting is easier when you have a plan. Check your registration, review your ballot, bring the correct materials, research the candidates and decide how you plan to cast your vote before November 3.

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce encourages members of our community to use trusted, nonpartisan resources when preparing for the election and to stay informed about the issues that affect our businesses, workforce and communities.

The Pennsylvania Department of State also runs a hotline for election issues, which can be reached at 1-877-868-3772. For comprehensive Pennsylvania voting information, visit the Commonwealth's official voter information resources.

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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents local employers in support of vibrant, sustainable communities throughout Columbia and Montour counties. Through five focus areas, including advocacy, member benefits, business connections, workforce development, and community strengthening, we work every day to help our members and region thrive. Learn more at www.columbiamontourchamber.com