HARRISBURG, PA — Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt has issued a reminder that May 5 is the final day for eligible Pennsylvanians to register to vote in the May 20 primary election. This deadline underscores the commitment of the Shapiro Administration to ensuring free and fair elections and encouraging voter participation across the state.
“I urge every eligible Pennsylvanian who is not yet registered to visit vote.pa.gov and register to vote by May 5,” Schmidt said. “It only takes a few minutes, and will allow you to participate in our democracy and let your voice be heard.”
To vote in the May 20 primary, Pennsylvanians must be U.S. citizens for at least one month prior, residents of their election district for at least 30 days, and 18 years old on or before Primary Day. Because Pennsylvania’s primaries are closed, only registered Democrats and Republicans may select their party’s nominees. However, all voters can participate in constitutional amendments, ballot questions, or special elections appearing on their district’s ballot.
Eligible voters have several options to submit their voter registration application. Online registration at vote.pa.gov is encouraged for its convenience, but applications are also available at county voter registration offices, government assistance offices, PennDOT driver and photo license centers offering automatic voter registration, and several other designated locations. Applications must reach county election offices by the close of business on May 5.
Schmidt also highlighted the benefits of mail-in voting, which allows voters to submit ballots from home. “Every registered voter also can request a mail ballot and vote from the convenience of their home,” he said. Applications for mail ballots are due by 5 p.m. on May 13, and completed ballots must arrive at county election offices by 8 p.m. on May 20.
Pennsylvanians voting in person on May 20 can find their polling place at vote.pa.gov. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., with anyone in line by that time permitted to vote. Voters will select candidates for Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and Court of Common Pleas judges, as well as local positions such as county commissioner and school board member.
The Department’s voter information website, vote.pa.gov, is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. It includes county election office contacts, tips for first-time voters, and resources for military voters.
With the registration deadline only days away, Pennsylvania election officials urge all residents to prepare early, ensuring their voices can be heard in shaping the future of their communities.
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