Key deadlines, mail ballot information, polling place resources, and what voters need to know before Election Day

Philadelphia’s 2026 Primary Election takes place Tuesday, May 19. Whether you plan to vote by mail or in person, voters are encouraged to make a plan ahead of Election Day. Below is important information to help Philadelphia residents prepare to cast their ballot.

Important Dates for Voters

Monday, May 4, 2026
Voter Registration Deadline

Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Mail Ballot Application Deadline

Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Election Day and deadline for the County Board of Elections to receive completed mail ballots

Voter Registration

The deadline to register to vote in the May 19, 2026 Primary Election was Monday, May 4 at 11:59 p.m.

Pennsylvania is a closed primary state. In a Primary Election, voters choose candidates to represent their political party in the General Election.

  • Registered Democrats can vote for Democratic candidates
  • Registered Republicans can vote for Republican candidates
  • Voters not registered with a major party may still vote on ballot questions

Voters can review the 2026 Primary ballot questions at vote.phila.gov.

If you’ve moved, changed your name, or would like to update your party affiliation for future elections, you must update your voter registration.

Vote by Mail

Voting by mail continues to be a popular option for many Philadelphia voters.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot for the 2026 Primary Election was Tuesday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Completed mail ballots must be received by the County Board of Elections no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

At this stage, voters are strongly encouraged to return completed mail ballots in person at one of the 33 secure ballot drop boxes located across Philadelphia or at a County Board of Elections office.

Important reminders:

  • Voters can only return their own completed mail ballot
  • Ballots cannot be returned to polling places
  • Voters with an illness or physical disability who cannot transport their ballot may complete a Designated Agent form allowing another person to return it on their behalf

Find ballot drop box locations and additional information at vote.phila.gov/ballot-drop-off.

Requested a Mail Ballot but Want to Vote In Person?

Voters who requested a mail ballot but decide to vote in person must bring their full mail ballot packet, including the voter declaration envelope, to their polling place to surrender it before voting on the machine.

Voters who do not bring their mail ballot materials will be required to vote using a provisional ballot.

Voting In Person on Election Day

Election Day is Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters who are in line by 8:00 p.m. will still be allowed to vote.

Before You Leave to Vote

  • Confirm your polling place location ahead of time at atlas.phila.gov/voting
  • Allow yourself enough time to travel and vote
  • Plan your route in advance whether walking, driving, taking SEPTA, or using Indego bike share

Voters can also use Atlas to view accessibility information, parking details, ballot previews, and elected official contact information.

At the Polls

  • Voting machines are accessible, and accommodations can be made for voters who need assistance
  • Poll workers are available to answer questions and provide support
  • Electronic Poll Books help streamline voter check-in at polling places citywide. Learn more about electronic pollbooks

Emergency Absentee Ballots

If an emergency arises after the absentee ballot application deadline — such as an unexpected illness or last-minute travel — eligible voters may apply for an Emergency Absentee Ballot.

Voters over age 65 or voters living with a permanent disability may also request an Emergency Alternative Ballot if their polling place is not fully accessible and they became aware of the issue after the standard application deadline.

Emergency absentee and alternative ballot applications may not be submitted prior to 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before the election.

Completed emergency ballots must be received by the County Board of Elections in City Hall Room 142 no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks are not accepted.

An Emergency Designation of Agent Form must be completed if someone other than the voter will pick up or return the ballot on behalf of a voter who is ill or physically disabled.

Report Election Concerns

Philadelphia voters are protected under federal and state law.

Voters cannot be denied the right to vote because of their:

  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • National origin
  • Membership in a language minority group

It is also illegal to intimidate or coerce voters to support or oppose a candidate or political issue.

To report election concerns on Election Day — including intimidation, interference, unlawful electioneering, or illegal voting activity — contact the District Attorney’s Election Task Force at (215) 686-9641.

Learn more about your rights as a voter

Make a Plan to Vote

Philadelphia voters are encouraged to make a plan ahead of Election Day and review voting resources before heading to the polls.

For additional election information, including polling place locations, ballot questions, mail ballot guidance, and voter resources, visit vote.phila.gov.