[VT Harrisburg, PA] May 8, 2025, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt held a press conference at the state Capitol to remind registered voters in Pennsylvania about the ways they can cast their ballots in the upcoming May 20 municipal primary election — either by voting in person or returning a mail ballot.
“Ensuring our elections are conducted freely and fairly, and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard, are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration,” Schmidt stated. “Every voter should be well informed about how to exercise their right to vote in this municipal election year.”
Because Pennsylvania holds closed primaries, only registered Democrats and Republicans may vote for their party’s nominees in the primary election. However, all registered voters — regardless of party — may vote on the following if they appear on their ballot:
- a constitutional amendment question,
- a ballot question, or
- a special election in their district.
“Remember: Every year is an election year,” Schmidt added. “Municipal elections, like the ones happening this year, matter because our local and county elected officials make decisions every day that shape our communities.”
Voting by Mail Ballot
To date, counties have approved 778,706 mail ballot applications ahead of the May 20 primary. The official deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. Schmidt urged voters who wish to vote by mail to apply and return their completed ballots as soon as possible to ensure their vote counts.
Voters may apply for a mail ballot in person at their county election office, fill it out on the spot, and return it in one visit — a convenient “vote-in-one-trip” option.
Whether completing their ballot at home or at the elections office, voters should read all instructions carefully and follow each step to ensure their vote is counted.
Completed ballots should be returned immediately to the voter’s county election office or an officially designated satellite office or drop box. Under Pennsylvania law, voters may only return their own ballots unless they have a disability and designate someone in writing or are using an emergency absentee process.
All completed mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Primary Day, May 20. Ballots received after that time will not be counted.
Voting In Person
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 20. Voters who are in line by 8 p.m. have the right to vote.
Schmidt shared the following reminders for in-person voters and right:
- First-time voters, or those voting for the first time in a new precinct, must show ID (either photo or non-photo identification).
- Voters who applied for and received a mail ballot but decide to vote in person must bring their mail ballot and the outer return envelope to surrender it at the polling place.
- Voters who requested a mail ballot but did not receive it or no longer have it may vote by provisional ballot at the polls.
- Voters have the right to receive assistance at the polls, including language or literacy help, and also have the right to refuse assistance.
- All voters are entitled to vote free from intimidation, harassment, or discrimination. Any voter experiencing issues should report them to the Judge of Elections at their polling place, their county election office, the county district attorney, or the Department of State’s voter hotline.
For more information, voters can visit vote.pa.gov or call the year-round voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772), which offers assistance in more than 200 languages.
