What to Know Before Election Day in Pennsylvania

On Pennsylvania general election day on Nov. 4, the future of the state Supreme Court, Philadelphia's District Attorney race, and other important campaigns will be decided.

Now is the time for voters to make sure they're registered, request a mail ballot if they want one, and address any issues with their mail ballot that could prevent their vote from being counted.

Here's what to know about the upcoming deadlines for Philadelphia voters:

Voters must register by next Monday, Oct. 20, through online, in-person, or mail-in options to be eligible to vote in the upcoming Nov. 4 general election. Individuals can check their registration status by calling the City Commissioners at 215-686-1590 or consulting the Pennsylvania Department of State website.

In Philadelphia, individuals can register online at the state voter services page. Or, individuals can register in person at the Board of Elections office in City Hall, Room 140; at the Voter Registration Office at 520 N. Columbus Blvd., at Spring Garden Street; or at one of the city's 10 satellite election offices. 

Any registered voter can vote by mail. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 5 p.m.

Individuals can apply at City Hall or the Columbus Boulevard elections office, or at any of the satellite election offices listed above. If you visit an election office in person, you can apply to vote, complete and return your ballot, and register to vote all in one visit.

Another option is to complete an online application to request a ballot mailed to your home.

An absentee ballot is only for people who will be out of town on Election Day, or who have an illness or physical disability that prevents them from going to the polls. Follow these instructions for applying for an absentee ballot.

The Board of Elections must receive your completed ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 4, or it won't count. Make sure to mail it at least several days before Oct. 4, or deposit it in an official drop box.

Make sure your vote counts by avoiding some of the issues that can result in flawed ballots:

The Board of Elections has published a list of Philadelphia mail voters who need to cure their ballots for the November general election.