[VT | October 19, 2026 | Philadelphia PA]
Today is the deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information in Pennsylvania ahead of the November 3 general election. Philadelphia has also opened two additional mail ballot drop boxes for voters returning completed ballots.
With Election Day two weeks away, voters should keep three separate deadlines in mind: registering to vote, requesting a mail ballot, and returning a completed ballot.
Three dates voters need to know
October 19 — Voter registration deadline
Eligible Pennsylvania residents who have not registered, or who need to update their registration after moving or changing their name, must do so today.
Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Paper applications must reach the appropriate county election office by the close of business.
October 27, 5 p.m. — Mail ballot application deadline
Voters who want to vote by mail must ensure their county election office receives their application by 5 p.m. on October 27.
This is the deadline to request a ballot, not the deadline to return one. Because processing and delivery take time, voters should not assume that applying on the final day will leave enough time to receive and return their ballot.
November 3, 8 p.m. — Completed mail ballot deadline
Completed mail ballots must reach the county election office or an authorized ballot return location by 8 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark alone is not sufficient.
Voters should follow the instructions for completing their ballot, including using the secrecy envelope and signing and dating the outer return envelope.
For those voting in person, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3.
Philadelphia opens two additional ballot drop boxes
The Philadelphia City Commissioners announced on October 17 that two additional mail ballot drop boxes are available:
Houston Playground
900 Grakyn Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Northwest Philadelphia
Torresdale Boys Club
4509 Linden Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Northeast Philadelphia
These drop boxes are for returning completed mail ballots. They are not voter registration offices or in-person polling places.
Philadelphia has other ballot return locations. Voters living in neighboring counties, including Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester, should follow their own county’s ballot return arrangements.
What if you requested a mail ballot but want to vote in person?
Voters who have not returned their mail ballot may bring the ballot and accompanying envelopes to their assigned polling place on Election Day. Election officials can void the mail ballot so the voter can cast a regular ballot in person.
Those who cannot surrender the required ballot materials may instead cast a provisional ballot, which election officials review before determining whether it can be counted.
Before Election Day
Voters who still need to register or update their information should complete that step by October 19.
Those planning to vote by mail should pay attention to the October 27 application deadline.
Voters who already have their mail ballot should complete it carefully and allow enough time for it to arrive by 8 p.m. on November 3.
The key distinction is simple: registering to vote, requesting a mail ballot, and returning a completed ballot are separate steps, each with its own deadline.
