Now’s Your Last Chance to Register to Vote Before the November Election

Photo by JasonDoiy/Getty Images.

Act fast, Philly: Monday is the last day to register to vote before the general election this fall.

On November 5th, you’ll have the opportunity to weigh in on Philly’s next mayor (very likely to be our current mayor, Democrat Jim Kenney, who’s up against Republican Billy Ciancaglini), city councilmembers, judges, ballot questions and more.

To help you fulfill your democratic duty, we’ve refreshed our voting guide below. You have until midnight to register online. It shouldn’t take more than five or 10 minutes. Go forth, residents of Philadelphia. (And for more information about the voter registration process, visit the website for the Pennsylvania Department of State.)

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/wi-fi 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. And get familiar with the ballot. 

Your county voter registration office will review your application. In the meantime, study up: You can find a sample ballot right here — just type in your address.

Step five: Receive your voter registration card. 

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