[VT | May 1, 2026 | Philadelphia PA]
The 2026 Pennsylvania primary election will take place on: Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Voting requires several steps before Election Day. This guide explains what to do and when.
Key deadlines
There are three important dates:
- May 4, 2026 — Deadline to register to vote or change party
- May 12, 2026 (5:00 p.m.) — Deadline to apply for a mail or absentee ballot
- May 19, 2026 (8:00 p.m.) — Deadline for ballots to be received
Before May 4: Check if you can vote
To vote in Pennsylvania, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day
- Be registered to vote
If you need to register or update your information (such as your address), you must do so by May 4.
Party registration
Pennsylvania has a closed primary system:
- Registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in their party’s primary
- Independent and third-party voters cannot vote for party candidates
If you want to change your party, you must do it before the deadline.
Before May 12: Voting by mail
If you do not plan to vote in person, you can apply for a mail ballot.
Types of ballots
- Mail-in ballot （online or paper）— no reason required
- Absentee ballot — requires a reason (such as being away or having a disability)
Descargue el formulario en papel para solicitar el voto por correo en español
Descargue el formulario en papel de solicitud de voto en ausencia en español
Application deadline
👉 Your application must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 12
After you receive your ballot
When completing your ballot:
- Fill in your choices
- Put the ballot into the secrecy envelope
- Put the secrecy envelope into the return envelope
- Sign and date the return envelope
How to return your ballot
You can return your ballot by:
- County election office
- Official drop box (if available)
Important
👉 Your ballot must be received by 8:00 p.m. on May 19
👉 Postmarks do not count
May 19: Voting in person
If you choose to vote in person, go to your polling place on Election Day.
Poll hours
👉 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
If you are in line by 8:00 p.m., you can still vote.
Find your polling place
Your polling place is based on your home address. Check your location before Election Day.
Do you need ID?
You may need ID if:
- This is your first time voting
- You recently changed your address
Accepted ID includes:
- Driver’s license or state ID
- U.S. passport
- Utility bill or bank statement with your name and address
- Student ID or military ID
What happens at the polling place
Typical steps:
- Give your name and confirm your registration
- Sign the voter list
- Receive a ballot or use a voting machine
- Complete your vote
If there is a problem
You can request a provisional ballot if:
- Your name is not on the voter list
- There is a question about your eligibility
- You applied for a mail ballot but did not receive it
Provisional ballots are reviewed after Election Day.
Before you vote
Before Election Day, make sure you:
- Have confirmed your registration
- Know how you will vote (mail or in person)
- Understand all deadlines
This page will continue to be updated through May 19, 2026.
