HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania voters who plan to vote by mail in the May 19 primary election must submit their ballot applications by May 12, with strict deadlines governing both application and return.
What This Means for You
- Mail ballot applications must be received by 5 p.m. on May 12
- Completed ballots must arrive by 8 p.m. on May 19
- Voters can apply, complete, and return ballots in one visit
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said voters choosing to vote by mail should act early to ensure they have enough time to receive and return their ballots.
“Voting by mail is a popular, safe, and secure option for Pennsylvanians to cast their ballots and make their voices heard,” Schmidt said.
Key Deadlines and Requirements
Applications for mail ballots must be received by a voter’s county elections board by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 12.
Once received, voters must follow specific steps to ensure their ballot is counted:
- Complete the ballot as instructed
- Seal it inside the yellow secrecy envelope marked “official election ballot”
- Place the secrecy envelope inside the outer return envelope
- Sign and date the outer envelope
Ballots must be received by county election offices by 8 p.m. on Primary Day, May 19. Ballots arriving after that time will not be counted.
In-Person and Drop-Off Options
Some counties offer drop boxes or designated drop-off locations for mail ballots.
Voters may also request, complete, and return a mail ballot in a single visit to their county elections office through the close of business on May 12.
Those who requested a mail ballot can still vote in person on Election Day if they bring their ballot materials to surrender at their polling place.
Voters who requested a ballot but did not receive it or cannot surrender it may vote using a provisional ballot.
Primary Election Rules
Pennsylvania operates under a closed primary system, meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for their party’s nominees.
However, all voters may participate in ballot questions, constitutional amendments, or special elections if they appear on their county’s ballot.
Where to Get More Information
Voters can find additional details, including polling place locations and county contact information, at https://www.vote.pa.gov.
The site also provides guidance for first-time voters, mail-in voters, elderly and disabled residents, and members of the military.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News.