Pennsylvania election information

The Democracy group of LFG put together this handy guide to Pennsylvania elections in 2025, featuring dates, voter guides, and more. Vote!

May 20, 2025, is the Primary Election

  • Polls are open on election day from 7 A.M. – 8 P.M.
  • Last day to register to vote: May 5, 2025.
  • Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot: May 13, 2025
  • Deadline to return a mail or civilian absentee ballot is 8PM Tues, May 20.  Postmarks don’t count!
  • Deadline to submit military or overseas absentee ballot: 11:59 PM Monday, May 19. (county election office must receive by Tuesday, May 27).

Nov. 4, 2025, is the Municipal Election

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote/elections/upcoming-elections.html

Who can register to vote?

Anyone can register to vote as long as you’ve been a U.S. citizen for at least 30 days before the election and are a resident of PA and will be 18 years old on or before Election Day.

In Pennsylvania state law prohibits people who are incarcerated for felonies from voting.  However, if you are released from incarceration prior to the date of the next election then you are eligible to vote.

If you are serving time for a misdemeanor charge or are out on probation, parole or house arrest you are eligible to vote unless your misdemeanor conviction was in relation to a violation of the PA election code. https://whyy.org/articles/pennsylvania-primary-election-2025-voters-guide/

What does a closed primary mean?

The state of Pennsylvania has a closed primary system.  Only Democrats and Republicans can vote for their party’s nominees to run in the general election.

All registered voters can vote in a primary election if the ballot includes a constitutional amendment question, a ballot question or a special election in their district.

How can I change my party affiliation

Voters can change their party affiliation by updating their voter registration online, by mail, or in person using the PA voter registration application form.  Select the box that says “Change of Party.”

Become a Poll Worker

We all depend on responsible workers to run smooth elections.  Poll workers are needed.  If you are interested, fill out the Pennsylvania Poll Worker Interest Form.

Find your polling place.

Look up your polling place so you know where you need to go to cast your vote on Election Day. 

Know what to expect.

When you arrive at the polls you will check-in with a poll worker. Once you are checked in you will either hand mark a paper ballot or cast your vote using a machine called a ballot marking device.  To view a demo of your county’s voting system click here.

What if I encounter a problem while trying to vote?

Call the official year-round voter hotline, 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772), if you experience problems in any of these areas:

  • If you suspect voting rules are being violated, report it to alert the Judge of Elections at your polling location. You can also report it to the Department through our election complaint form or contact your county election office directly.
  • If you need help voting or cannot use the voting system because of a disability, ask the poll workers at your polling location about accessible voting options.
  • If you need help voting or using the voting system because of your ability to speak or read English, you may have language support.
  • If a poll worker determines you are not eligible to vote on the county’s voting system, you may ask to vote a provisional ballot. Your county’s elections officials will later determine if your provisional ballot can be counted.

Do I need to show ID at the polls?

Only if it’s your first time voting at a new polling place.  If so, you must bring an approved form of identification.

For a list of approved forms of ID and answers to frequently asked questions please go to: https://www.pa.gov/services/vote/find-your-local-polling-place.html#accordion-32a5cf851f-item-22912e3e55

For information about Cambria County primary candidates in the May 20th primary election please click here.

For information about Somerset County primary candidates in the May 20 primary election click here.

Shelley

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