More Than 664,000 Pennsylvanians Have Requested Mail-In Ballots. There’s Still Time to Get Yours.

“For those who either cannot physically get to their polling place on Election Day or prefer not to do so, voting by mail is a secure, accessible option.”

More than 664,000 Pennsylvanians have applied for mail-in ballots to vote in the May 17 primary election.

In the primary election, voters will choose who will get each party’s nomination to run in the general election for the US Senate, all 17 US House seats, the governor’s office, the lieutenant governor’s office, half of the state Senate seats, and all 203 state House seats.

Pennsylvania has a closed primary election, so only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans may vote in their party’s primary.

“Every eligible voter should have access to the ballot box,” state acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman said. “For those who either cannot physically get to their polling place on Election Day or prefer not to do so, voting by mail is a secure, accessible option.”

Any eligible Pennsylvania voter can request a mail-in ballot. Voters can apply for their ballot online. Voters do not have to provide any reason for requesting a mail-in ballot.

Voters who live overseas, serve in the military, have a disability or illness that prevents them from going to the polls, or have other obligations that will take them away from their home municipality on primary election day can apply for an absentee ballot. More than 54,000 Pennsylvanians already have requested absentee ballots.

These voters can apply for an absentee ballot online.

The deadline to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot is 5 p.m. on May 10.

All ballots must be submitted to the local elections office by 8 p.m. on May 17.

Ballots received after May 17 will not be counted.