HARRISBURG, PA — Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt has issued a reminder to Pennsylvanians that the deadline to register to vote for the May 20 primary election is May 5. The primary will give voters the opportunity to shape the political landscape by selecting their party’s nominees and voting on local ballot questions.
“It takes only a few minutes to register to vote,” said Schmidt. “I urge every eligible Pennsylvanian who is not yet registered to do so before the May 5 deadline. Once you are registered, you can then exercise your fundamental right to vote and let your voice be heard in the upcoming primary election.”
To be eligible to vote, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen for at least one month by May 20.
- Reside in their election district for at least 30 days before the primary.
- Be at least 18 years old on or before election day.
Pennsylvania’s closed primary system allows only registered Democrats and Republicans to vote for their party’s nominees. However, all registered voters may cast ballots on local ballot questions, if any are on the docket for their area.
Eligible residents have multiple options to register to vote, including county voter registration offices, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) license centers, and additional state-designated locations such as WIC offices and Armed Forces recruitment centers. Voter registration forms can also be accessed and submitted online.
A notable feature of Pennsylvania’s voter registration efforts is the automatic voter registration program launched in 2023 at PennDOT driver and photo license centers. Under this initiative, eligible residents are prompted to apply for voter registration when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license or state ID. This system reflects the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring that elections are free, fair, and accessible to all.
Registered voters may also opt to vote by mail. Mail ballot applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 13, and completed ballots must be received by county election offices no later than 8 p.m. on May 20.
With just days remaining until the voter registration deadline, state officials are urging Pennsylvanians to act swiftly to ensure their participation in this pivotal election.
The Department’s voter information website, vote.pa.gov, is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. It offers a polling place locator and contact details for county election offices. You’ll also find tips for first-time voters, mail-in and absentee voters, elderly and disabled voters, and military members.
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