Register to Vote in Pennsylvania for May Primary

The Pennsylvania primary election is approaching on Tuesday, May 19, and eligible voters must register by Monday, May 4, to participate. This primary will determine the Democratic and Republican nominees for governor and state legislators.

To register to vote in Pennsylvania, you must be a U.S. citizen for at least one month before the election, a resident of your election district for at least 30 days before the election, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You can register online, by mail, in person at your county election office, or through the Pennsylvania Department of State's website.

Pennsylvania has a closed primary system, meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for their respective party's candidates. However, independent and third-party voters can still participate in statewide referenda, local ballot initiatives, and special elections coinciding with the primaries.

For first-time voters, it's important to bring proof of identification to the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, or student ID. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, and as long as you are in line by 8 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.

Those who prefer to vote by mail must request a mail ballot by May 12. Mail ballots must be received by the county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can return completed ballots by mail, in person at their county election office, or at designated drop-off locations.

For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, visit [vote.pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote) or [Spotlight PA's Election Center](https://www.spotlightpa.org/elections/).