All cells generate an electrical potential across their membranes through the unequal distribution of ions. Changes in voltage potentials in non-excitable cells act as key regulators of pattern formation during embryogenesis through integration with the biochemical signaling and genetic hardwiring of an organism. Alteration of these signals leads to incorrect cell fate decisions, ectopic structure formation and overall body mispatterning. Here we review the important advances in bioelectricity as it relates to embryonic development across multiple organisms.