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The deadline for Pennsylvania residents to register to vote in the upcoming primary election is fast approaching. Voters have until Monday, May 4, to complete their registration, whether online, by mail, or in person at various locations such as county offices and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) driver and photo license centers, according to Vote411.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens for at least 30 days before the election, reside in Pennsylvania, and be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. Pennsylvania uses a closed primary system, so only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for their party’s nominees. However, all registered voters may participate if there are constitutional amendments or special elections on the ballot in their district.
Residents may check their registration status or update party affiliation online. Those needing to change their party must do so by the May 4 deadline to vote in the primary. Registration can also be handled in person at county election offices or PennDOT centers. More information and registration forms are available on the Vote.org website.
Voters who wish to vote by mail must apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot no later than Tuesday, May 12, at 5 p.m. Completed mail ballots must be received by county election offices by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, May 19. Secure drop boxes are available in some counties for ballot return. Voters can track their mail ballots and find polling places using the state’s online tools.
Pennsylvania residents who are currently incarcerated for a felony are not eligible to vote. However, those serving time for misdemeanors, or who are on probation, parole, or house arrest, remain eligible unless their conviction involved violating the Pennsylvania Election Code.
Polling places statewide will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Official election results will be posted on the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website as they become available.