Temple students' guide to Election Day 2024

It’s not too late to make your voice heard. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Voting in person on that day is the last opportunity to cast your ballot in the 2024 presidential election. 

In the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout among college and university students reached a record high of 66%, according to a report from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education. Also, in 2020, 73% of Temple students who were registered to vote cast a ballot. If you are registered, now is the time to make a plan to vote and encourage your friends to do the same. 

If you already voted by mail or absentee ballot, you may be wondering how to know if your ballot reached its destination. If you have never voted in person before, or even if you have, you may be a little unsure about what to expect.

We know it’s a lot to keep track of, but luckily, we have answers to these burning questions and more.

I’m voting in-person, but I don’t know what to do or where to go. First, confirm your polling location and the voter ID requirements in your state. There are several polling places near campus, and you must go to your correct polling place to vote. Polling places in Philadelphia are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. In Pennsylvania, voters are only required to present identification if it is their first time voting in their division—here is a list of acceptable forms of identification.  

Then head to your polling place on Election Day. If it’s your first time voting, bring identification (your OWLcard will work). Note that Temple Votes—a nonpartisan initiative led by students, faculty, administrators and voter education organizations—has planned a “parade to the polls” on Election Day: Students who are registered using their campus addresses can meet in their residence halls and travel to their designated polling sites together.

It’s possible that there will be a long line at your polling place. Remember, if you are in line by 8 p.m., you can vote! (It might be a good idea to bring snacks and water.) Anyone in line at the time that polls close will be able to vote. If you have any concerns about fairness at your polling location, call the Pennsylvania Department of State voter hotline at 877-868-3772.

Can I vote early in Pennsylvania?Early voting is available at your local election office or other designated locations by completing the entire mail-in voting process on the spot. You can also return a completed mail-in ballot at early voting centers. If you are registered to vote in Philadelphia, consider visiting one of 10 Satellite Election Offices to vote early. The closest one to Temple is at 2301 N. Broad St. Remember: If you return your voted mail-in or absentee ballot, then you cannot vote at your polling place on Election Day.

How do I learn more about who is running?Nonpartisan candidate guides for important 2024 races can be found at guides.vote or on the Temple Votes website.

Are classes cancelled on Election Day?No, so plan your day now! This is especially important if you do not live close to campus and need to travel. 

I’ve heard a lot about voting by mail. Can I do that? Many states are allowing voters to mail in their ballots in advance of Election Day. Your state may require you to have a valid excuse to vote by mail, such as being unable to get to your polling place due to illness, injury or disability or being an out-of-state college student. Acceptable excuses vary by state, as do the deadlines by which you need to apply for a mail-in ballot.

All Pennsylvania voters can vote by mail. The 2024 deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania is Oct. 29. Your completed ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. It can be returned by mail or in person at your County Election Office. Find out about your state’s requirements and deadlines.

I mailed in my ballot. How do I know if it was received? If you have already voted by mail or absentee ballot, you can track the status of your ballot using this state-by-state guide. If you are voting by mail in Pennsylvania, you can track the status of your ballot.

What resources and events are available at Temple leading up to Election Day? For more information, visit Temple Votes.