How Pennsylvania elections work
Pennsylvania holds two elections every year. In even years (2026, 2028, etc.) the ballot includes federal offices (President, US Senate, US House) and PA statewide offices (Governor, AG, Treasurer). In odd years (2025, 2027) the ballot focuses on municipal offices, judicial retention, and local ballot questions.
Key dates for 2026
- Primary election: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- Primary voter registration deadline: May 4, 2026
- Mail-ballot application deadline: May 12, 2026
- General election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- General voter registration deadline: October 19, 2026
- General mail-ballot application deadline: October 27, 2026
How to vote
Pennsylvania offers three ways to vote: (1) in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day, 7am–8pm; (2) by mail-in ballot — no excuse needed, but you must apply by the deadline; (3) by absentee ballot if you qualify (out of state on Election Day, illness, etc.).
Your mail ballot must be RECEIVED by your county elections office by 8pm on Election Day. Postmarks do not count in Pennsylvania. If you have a mail ballot but decide to vote in person, bring the mail ballot AND the outer envelope to be surrendered: otherwise you'll vote provisionally.