HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvanians have until May 4 to register to vote in the May 19 primary election, state officials said, with only registered Democrats and Republicans eligible to vote in party primaries.
What This Means for You
- The voter registration deadline is May 4, 2026
- Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in primary races
- Mail ballot applications are due by May 12
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt is urging eligible residents who are not yet registered to complete the process ahead of the deadline.
“It takes only a few minutes to register,” Schmidt said, encouraging voters to participate in the upcoming election.
Who Can Vote and What’s on the Ballot
Pennsylvania operates a closed primary system, meaning only voters registered with a political party can vote for that party’s candidates.
However, all voters can participate in ballot questions and special elections held at the same time. For example, voters in York County’s 196th House District can vote in a special election to fill a vacant legislative seat.
Primary voters will select nominees for offices including U.S. House of Representatives, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, state Senate seats in even-numbered districts, and all state House seats.
Eligibility Requirements
To register and vote in the May 19 primary, individuals must be U.S. citizens for at least one month before the election, residents of their voting district for at least 30 days, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day.
Registration and Voting Options
Residents can check their registration status or update their information online at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/voterregistrationstatus.aspx.
Voter registration applications are also available at county offices, state assistance centers, WIC offices, military recruitment centers, and other designated locations.
Since 2023, PennDOT driver and photo license centers have offered automatic voter registration when residents apply for or renew identification.
Mail Ballots and Resources
Registered voters may request a mail ballot online, with applications due by 5 p.m. May 12. Completed mail ballots must be received by county election offices by 8 p.m. May 19.
Additional voter resources, including polling place information and guidance for first-time voters, are available at https://www.vote.pa.gov.
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