VOTERS QUALIFICATIONS 
You are eligible to register to vote if on the date of the next election you:
HOW
- Will have been a United States citizen for at least one month
- Must be 18 years of age on or before the day of the election.
- Will have resided in Pennsylvania and in your election district for at least 30 days
Once your application is received and processed, a Voter’s Certificate of Registration card will be mailed to you within about two weeks; unless you applied less than 15 days before the election. After the election has been certified, the staff will then resume the processing of the registrations.
Per Pennsylvania State Law, all registered voters are eligible to vote in General Elections. However, in order to be eligible to vote for a candidate in a Primary Election, you must be registered as either a registered Republican or Democrat. The exception is when there is a question on the ballot; in that case, all registered voters are permitted to vote on the question only, regardless of party affiliation.
WHENAny County within the State of Pennsylvania will accept new or changed voter registration applications up to 15 days prior to the Election. Any applications received after that deadline will be processed after the Election.
WHEREYou can obtain a voter registration application at any local post office, some local legislator’s offices, or here at the Voter Registration office. You may also apply for voter registration when you apply for or renew your drivers’ license. Applications for motor vehicle drivers’ license or renewal can serve as an application for voter registration or an update to a previous voter registration. Once the Northampton County Voter Registration Office receives the information, a Voter ID card will be sent to your mailing address. If you do not receive this card, you should contact us to verify that the registration was received.
You can also download a voter application
HERE
Guide for First-Time Voters
Below are tips to help you prepare and know what to expect going into the polls.
Find Your Polling Place
You can find your polling place online on the Polling Place Locator page of this Web site. Your polling place is also listed on your Voter ID card that you received from the county after registering.
Know When Polling Places Open and Close
In Pennsylvania, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Bring Identification
All voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show proof of identification. Approved forms of photo identification include:
- Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card
- ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
- ID issued by the U.S. Government
- U.S. passport
- U.S. Armed Forces ID
- Student ID
- Employee ID
If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a non-photo identification that includes your name and address. Approved forms of non-photo identification include:
- Voter Certification card issued by the voter registration commission
- Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
- Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government
- Firearm permit
- Current utility bill
- Current bank statement
- Current paycheck
- Government check
If you are voting for the first time in your county and you intend to vote by absentee ballot, please include a copy of a form of identification with your voter registration application.
Voter Certification Card
You are not registered to vote until your application has been processed and accepted by the County Voter Registration Office. If accepted, the County Voter Registration Office will send you, via non-forwardable mail.
Getting Assistance While Voting
Voters who have a disability, have physical limitations or have limited English proficiency can ask for assistance at the polling place. Voters may also contact their County Voter Registration Office before Election Day to ask for assistance.
What To Do If You Have a Complaint
On Election Day, most complaints can be handled by the Judge of Elections at your polling place.
However, for complaints concerning regulation of Election Day activities, contact the Elections Division at elections@norcopa.gov or 610-829-6260
VOTER RIGHTS
The Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act, 18 Pa.C.S.A. Sections 6101 et seq., permits any person permitted to possess a firearm to openly carry or, with a license to carry firearm, to conceal carry the firearm in Northampton County with the exception of elementary schools, secondary schools, or court facilities. No individual shall be precluded from entering a polling location while lawfully carrying a firearm, whether openly or concealed, unless such polling location constitutes an elementary school, secondary school, or court facility. No individual shall be precluded from voting while lawfully carrying a firearm, whether openly or concealed, unless such polling location constitutes an elementary school, secondary school, or court facility. No sign shall be drafted, written, erected, placed, or visibly available at any polling location precluding an individual from entering a polling location or voting while in lawful possession of a firearm.