Voter registration deadline is Monday

Election Polling Place Station
PHOTO: Getty Images

As the Pennsylvania 2020 presidential primary election rapidly approaches, there are some important dates Philadelphia voters should mark on their calendars.

May 18: The new deadline for city residents to register for this year’s primary election is Monday, May 18. For those who plan to cast their vote at a local polling location, voter registration applications need to be received at least 15 days before the election. You can register to vote online at pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx

May 26: Those who wish to vote via mail-in or absentee ballot must submit their application to the City’s Commissioner’s Office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26. You must be a registered voter in order to submit an application. To request a ballot application, visit pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin

As the novel coronavirus continues to impact Philadelphia, voters may be understandably nervous about visiting a polling place in person. All voters are permitted to vote via mail-in ballot to combat the spread of COVID-19. You do not need to provide an excuse to request a mail-in ballot in the upcoming election. Those who have already applied for an absentee or mail-in ballot do not need to reapply. 

June 2: Due to the current pandemic, the Pennsylvania 2020 presidential primary election has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 2. 

To register to vote in Philadelphia, you must be:

  • A United States citizen for at least one month before the next election
  • A resident of the City of Philadelphia and your election district for at least one month before the next election
  • At least 18 years of age on or before the next Election Day

Those who would like to check their voter registration status can do so online at pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/voterregistrationstatus.aspx

For additional information, visit philadelphiavotes.com or votespa.com