Election Day is just around the corner. Now is the time to make a plan to vote!
Hunger is about more than food. The families served by the Food Bank and its partner network are often facing challenges that go beyond the grocery bill, including high housing costs, expensive utilities, healthcare expenses and transportation barriers.
That’s why ending hunger takes more than food assistance alone.
Many of the programs, services and investments that help people meet their basic needs are shaped by decisions made at the local, state and federal levels. Voting is one of the most important ways to make your voice heard on issues that affect food security and community well-being.
Simply put, voting is an anti-hunger action.
Get Ready to Vote
Being ready to vote before Election Day can help ensure your vote counts.
Ask yourself:
- Am I registered to vote?
- Do I know where I will vote?
- Will I vote in person or by mail?
- Do I know the key deadlines?
To make the process easier, we created a One Stop Voting Guide. The guide includes information about:
- Registering to vote
- Updating your voter registration
- Voting by mail
- Voter ID requirements
- Frequently asked questions
Important Pennsylvania Election Dates
Pennsylvania’s General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you can still vote.
Before Election Day, be sure to remember these key deadlines:
- October 19, 2026: Last day to register to vote.
- October 27, 2026: Last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot.
- November 3, 2026: Election Day.
- November 3, 2026: Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by your county election office by 8 p.m.
Voting by Mail?
If you live in Allegheny County and vote by mail, you can return your completed ballot at the Food Bank’s Duquesne facility, an official ballot return site approved by the Allegheny County Board of Elections.
Ballot Return Hours at the Food Bank
- Tuesday, October 29 to Friday, November 1: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday, November 4: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Allegheny County voters also have access to other early voting and ballot return locations throughout the county. Learn more about early voting and ballot return options in Allegheny County.
If you live outside Allegheny County, mail ballot return options vary by county. Visit Pennsylvania’s guide to returning a mail ballot to learn about your options and find information for your county election office.
Make Your Plan Today
Solutions to food insecurity happen when people speak up for their communities and take part in decisions that affect their daily lives.
Voting is one way to do that.
Whether you’re a first-time voter or have voted for years, now is the time to make your plan. Check your registration, know your deadlines and decide how you’ll cast your ballot.
Download our One Stop Voting Guide and get ready to vote on November 3.
As a nonprofit organization, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is committed to engaging our community in a nonpartisan way. The Food Bank does not endorse political candidates or parties.