Skip to main content

Pennsylvania elections in 2026

This page lists Pennsylvania statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Pennsylvania​

Start with the official Pennsylvania voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Pennsylvania voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: You can register to vote at a County Voter Registration Office or other designated sites. In person registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You can register to vote by mail. However, your mail-in registration form must be received 15 days before Election Day.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You can register to vote through the Pennsylvania Department of State's online application. Online registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day.

Online​

You can register to vote through the Pennsylvania Department of State's online application. Online registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

You can register to vote by mail. However, your mail-in registration form must be received 15 days before Election Day

Deadlines

In Person​

You can register to vote at a County Voter Registration Office or other designated sites. In person registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Pennsylvania​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • September 14, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: In-person absentee voting begins Fifty days before election.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You can register to vote by mail. However, your mail-in registration form must be received 15 days before Election Day.
  • October 27, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot
  • October 27, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: In-person absentee Voting ends at 5 p. m. first Tuesday prior to day of election.

Voter ID requirements in Pennsylvania​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Pennsylvania voter ID requirements.

Pennsylvania election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — May 19, 2026​

Primary elections in Pennsylvania are held on the third Tuesday of May in most years. In presidential years, the primary election is held on the fourth Tuesday of April.

Important dates​

  • May 4, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline: Last day to register to vote
  • May 12, 2026 — Mail-in or Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot:

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • September 14, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: In-person absentee voting begins Fifty days before election.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: You can register to vote at a County Voter Registration Office or other designated sites. In person registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You can register to vote by mail. However, your mail-in registration form must be received 15 days before Election Day.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You can register to vote through the Pennsylvania Department of State's online application. Online registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day.
  • October 27, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot
  • October 27, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: In-person absentee Voting ends at 5 p. m. first Tuesday prior to day of election.

Official Pennsylvania election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.