How to Vote!

Before you do anything, check your registration status online! The registration deadline for the Primary Election on May 19th of 2026 is May 4th.

Registration (New)

• You must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the next primary, special, municipal, or general election.
• You must be a resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which you want to register and vote in for at least 30 days before the next primary, special, municipal, or general election.
• You must be at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the next election.

What forms of ID do I need in order to register?

First time voters in Pennsylvania must show proof of ID. Approved forms of photo ID include:

• Pennsylvania Driver’s License or PennDOT ID card
• ID issued by any Commonwealth agency or the U.S. Government
• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Armed Forces ID
• Student ID
• Employee ID

If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a non-photo ID that includes your name and address.  Approved forms of non-photo ID include:

• Confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office
• Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth or U.S. Government
• Firearm permit
• Current utility bill
• Current bank statement
• Current paycheck
• Government check

Registration (Update)

You may also use the registration application link below to update your record if any of the following apply to you:

• You just moved into the 2nd Ward. Welcome! Find out where you now vote.
• You moved within the 2nd Ward. (You’ll want to update your address to get your new polling location, if necessary.)
• You changed your name.

Vote By Mail

Who can vote by mail?

Any voter can vote by mail. You no longer need an excuse, such as a disability. Voting by mail is safe, easy, convenient, and secure. You may apply to vote by mail…

• Online at pavoterservices.pa.gov
• By mailing in a paper application. You can download one here, or contact the County Board of Elections at 215-686-3469. You can also fill one out at one of our tabling events and we’ll file it for you – stay tuned to our social media channels for updates.
• In person at City Hall, Room 142, or at 520 North Columbus Blvd., 5th Floor

When should I apply?

If you would like to vote by mail, you should apply ASAP. The official deadline for the upcoming election is May 12th.

When will my ballot arrive?

The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll get it.

What do I do when I get my ballot?

Keep all the items and carefully read the instructions. Be sure to:

• Fill everything out, in both sides of the ballot, in blue or black ink. Use the same color ink for the entire ballot.
• Place your ballot in the secrecy envelope
• Place the secrecy envelope containing the ballot in the declaration envelope
• Sign and date the declaration envelope
• Mail it back ASAP

When should I mail my ballot?

We do not recommend mailing your ballot after May 12th. The official deadline for your ballot to arrive is Election Day at 8:00 PM. (The postmark of your ballot does not count.) If you have not mailed your ballot by our suggested deadline, we strongly encourage you to drop it off at City Hall, Room 140 instead of mailing it.

Track your mail-in ballot

You may track your ballot here.