This Tuesday, May 20, the primary elections will be held in Pennsylvania, a key day to define candidates for local and state offices. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you are in line at 8:00 p.m., you are eligible to vote.

Who Can Vote?

Pennsylvania has closed primaries, which means only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans can vote for their party's candidates. However, all registered voters may participate in referenda or special elections that appear on the ballot.

Vote by Mail Ballot

Any registered voter may apply for a vote-by-mail ballot without providing a reason. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at your county elections office. However, that deadline expired this past May 13 at 5:00 p.m.

Once you complete your ballot, be sure to:

1. Place the ballot in the security envelope provided.
2. Insert the security envelope into the return envelope.
3. Sign and date the voter's statement on the outer envelope.

You may return your ballot by mail or drop it in a secure box designated by your county. It is important that your county elections office receive the ballot by 8:00 p.m. on May 20; postmarks do not count.

What's at Stake?

Voters will choose candidates for:

District Attorney: Incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner faces former Judge Patrick Dugan in the Democratic primary.
City Controller: Christy Brady is seeking re-election unopposed in the Democratic primary.
State Judges: Candidates for Superior and Commonwealth courts will be up for election.

In addition, referendum or special election questions may appear on your ballot, depending on your district.

Find Your Polling Place

You can check your polling place and registration status on the state's official website: https://www.vote.pa.gov.