The 2025 Philadelphia Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025. To cast your vote, here’s everything you need to know, from registration, voting methods, and key deadlines to what to expect on Election Day.
Voter Registration
To participate in the primary election, you must be a registered voter. The deadline to register is Monday, May 5, 2025, which is 15 days before the election. According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you can register online, by mail, or in person at various government agencies. These agencies include the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Photo License and Driver’s License Centers.
Eligibility Requirements
To register, you must meet the following requirements:
- You should be a United States citizen for at least 1 month or 30 days before the election.
- You must be a resident of Pennsylvania, and live in your election district for at least 30 days before the election.
- You must be at least 18 years old by the May 20th election day.
Updating Your Registration
If you’re already registered but need to change your name, address, or political party affiliation, you must update your registration by the May 5th deadline.
According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you need to update your registration if you have:
Moved to a new place, or changed your home address
- Changed your name, or
- You want to change your party
Voting Methods
Pennsylvania offers several voting options:
- In-person voting: Polls are open from 7 a.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST on election day. If you’re in line by 8 p.m. EST, you’ll be allowed to vote. If you are voting for the first time, make sure to take a valid form of Identification along. Valid IDs include a Pennsylvania driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or a current utility bill.
- Mail-In and Absentee Voting:
- Requesting a Ballot: The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is Tuesday, May 13, 2025, by 5 p.m. EST. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at your county election office.
- Returning Your Ballot: Completed ballots must be received by your county election office by 8 p.m. EST on election day, May 20th. Postmarks do not count. You can return your ballot by mail or in person. Some counties may offer drop boxes, therefore, you should check with your county election office to know if that option is available.
Assistance for Voters with Disabilities
If you have a disability and require assistance with voting, you are permitted to have someone accompany you to assist – however, not your employer, union representative, or Judge of Elections. If your disability makes it impossible for you to apply or deliver your mail-in ballot in person, you may designate another person to do this on your behalf. To do this, you need to fill out a Designated Agent Form, which is available in 10 languages, including Spanish and Chinese, or use the form provided by your county.
Those with permanent disabilities may apply to be included on the list for permanent absentee voters by filling out and submitting an absentee ballot application. If the request is approved, you will automatically receive ballots for all elections that year and receive a renewal application every year thereafter.
In some counties, if your polling place is inaccessible and you are age 65 or older or have a disability, you may be eligible to use an alternative ballot for voting.
Alternative ballots are paper ballots that you receive in the mail, complete, and return to your county election office. Contact your local board to see if you are eligible to use an alternative ballot instead of going to the polls. Pennsylvania’s Department of State is trying to make an effort to improve the accessibility for voting. Now a voter with a disability may complete his or her absentee or mail-in ballot using an electronic device.
Election Day FAQs
- Can I vote before Election Day? Yes, you can apply to vote by mail or obtain a ballot at the County Board of Elections Office at City Hall, Room 140, from 9 a.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST, once ballots are available.
- What’s on the Ballot? You can check the Details of the 2025 Philadelphia Primary Election for the offices up for nomination and a list of candidates. Sample ballots can be previewed by entering your address in the Polling Place Finder app.
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