When are the deadlines to register to vote, apply for mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania voters will cast ballots in the upcoming municipal election for local and countywide political posts. They’ll also vote on whether to retain three state Supreme Court justices.

USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

October 6, 2025

Voter Michael Prendergast, 61, exits Triity Lutheran Church after voting in Erie on election day, Nov. 5, 2024.

Pennsylvania voters will cast ballots in the upcoming municipal election for local and countywide political posts. They’ll also vote on whether to retain three state Supreme Court justices.

Here are the key dates people should know ahead of Election Day:

Oct. 20: Last day to register to vote before November election.
Oct. 28: Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot. You can check the status of your ballot on the state’s website. A shortened link to the online absentee ballot tracker is here: https://bit.ly/ballottracker_pa47oyntT.
Nov. 4: Election Day. Completed mail-in and civilian absentee ballots must be received by county election offices before polls close at 8 p.m. Want to see the ballot before you go to the ballot box? Visit your county election board website to search for a sample ballot, which will be available closer to the election. Here’s what Erie County provides: https://bit.ly/howtovote_eriecounty.
Nov. 12: Completed military and overseas absentee ballots, which must be submitted for delivery no later than 11:59 p.m. Nov. 3, must be received by county election offices.

Keep The Keystone free for everyone

If you found this story useful, would you consider supporting The Keystone?

Every day, our team works to provide Pennsylvanians with free, fact-based reporting about the issues, policies, and decisions shaping life across the commonwealth. We believe everyone deserves access to trustworthy local news—not just those who can afford a subscription.

That's why you'll never hit a paywall here (though we may ask you to sign up for our newsletter). But keeping our journalism free depends on readers who believe informed communities are worth investing in.

If our reporting has helped you better understand what's happening in Pennsylvania, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution helps us continue reporting, informing, and serving communities across the state.