Monday Is the Last Day to Register to Vote in the Primary Election

Philly voting registration rose notably between the May primary and the general election deadline this October. Go register to vote today! | Photo by jdwfoto/iStockphoto.com

Monday is the last day to register to vote in the primary election, Philly.

If you’re not registered (or if you’re unsure of your voter status), what are you waiting for? It’s easy! You can do it today, online, for free. And it shouldn’t take more than five or 10 minutes.

The municipal primary will be held on May 21st. Depending on your party affiliation, you’ll have the chance to vote for candidates for mayor, City Council (at large and district), city commissioner, sheriff, register of wills and judges of the Superior, Common Pleas, and Municipal courts. You’ll also have the opportunity to vote “yes” or “no” to four ballot questions regarding minimum wage, allowing civilian officers to regulate our streets, and more.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting contest, with the largest City Council at-large candidate pool Philly has seen since peak Frank Rizzo backlash in 1979. And you’re going to want to exercise your Democratic right, aren’t you?

Here’s our guide to registering to vote before the primary. You’ve got less than 24 hours, people, so get going!

Step one: Make sure you’re eligible to vote. 

Are you a U.S. citizen, or will you be a U.S. citizen for at least one month before the primary election? Are you a resident in the election district in which you want to register? Are you 18 years old, or will you be on the day of the primary election? Great! You are qualified to vote!

Step two: Make sure you’re not already registered to vote. 

Unsure if you’re already registered or not? Do you remember which county/district you’re registered in? Have you moved recently? Search for your enrollment information in the Department of State’s voter registration database. If you’re already registered, the database will tell your polling place, voting districts and more. If not, you can proceed to the next step.

Step three: Complete an online voter application.

You can also use this form to change your voting information. If you need a computer/wifi to fill it out, consider visiting the DMV or one of the Free Library locations.

For future reference, you can also register to vote by mail or in person by filling out this form and taking or mailing it to your county Board of Elections office, a government agencies office, or a PennDOT photo license center. (Though you’ll definitely want to register online if you’re doing so on deadline day.)

Step four: Wait.

Your county voter registration office will review your application.

Step five: Receive your voter registration card. 

Congrats! You’ll know you’re registered when you receive your voter registration card in the mail.

For more information about the voter registration process, visit the website for the Pennsylvania Department of State.