The Office of the City Commissioners wants to ensure everyone is prepared and ready for Election Day on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025. Here is some key information to get you ready to vote!
Important Dates for Voters
- May 13, 2025: Mail Ballot Application Deadline
- May 20, 2025: Election Day, and last day for the Board of Elections to receive your mail ballot
Vote By Mail
The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot for the 2025 Municipal Primary is Tuesday, May 13, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
You can apply for a mail ballot:
- Online: Visit vote.phila.gov/votebymail to apply online.
- In Person: Visit City Hall Room 142 or a Satellite Election Office to apply for, be issued, complete, and return your mail ballot all in one visit! View our interactive map of Satellite Office locations to find one near you, or visit vote.phila.gov/seos for a full list of locations.
- By Mail: Download, complete, and mail an application to the County Board of Elections. It must be received – not postmarked – by May 5.
Mail ballots must be received by the County Board of Elections no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Mail ballots can be returned in-person, or by mail. It’s recommended that voters mail back their ballots at least 7 days prior to election day, Tuesday, May 20th. Voters can also return them in-person at one of the 34 secure ballot drop boxes located citywide. Visit phila.gov/ballot-drop-off for an interactive map of mail ballot drop boxes.
Important notes:
- Voters can only return their own voted mail ballot.
- Voters with an illness or physical disability who are unable to transport their mail ballot can complete a Designated Agent form, allowing another person to transport their ballot. That form should be secured to the declaration envelope via paper clip or rubber band, and the ballot should be delivered to any County Board of Elections Office, or ballot drop box.
- Ballots cannot be returned to polling places.
- If you requested a mail ballot but decide to vote in person at your polling place on Election Day, you must bring your full mail ballot packet with you. You will need to surrender your mail ballot and voter’s declaration envelope to the Judge of Election, who will then ask you to sign a Declaration. You’ll then be able to sign into the electronic poll book and vote on the machine. If you do not have your mail-in ballot to surrender, you will be able to vote by provisional ballot.
Voting In Person – Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, May 20. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you are in line by 8:00 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.
Before You Leave to Vote:
- Check your registration status. Confirm that you are registered to vote in Philadelphia for the election
- Find your polling place. Look up your polling place ahead of time at atlas.phila.gov/voting. Enter your home address to find accessibility and parking information, a preview of your ballot, your elected officials’ contact info and more.
- Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to vote. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you are in line by 8:00 p.m., you must be allowed to vote.
- Make a travel plan. Plan to walk, drive, take public transit, or explore other options like Indego, Philadelphia’s bike-share program.
At the Polls:
- Voting machines are accessible, and accommodations can be made for anyone needing assistance.
- Poll workers can help if you have questions or need support.
- Electronic Poll Books are used to streamline check-in and ensure a smooth process. Learn more about electronic pollbooks.
Emergency Absentee Ballot Applications
If an emergency (an unexpected trip or illness, for example) occurs after the deadline for absentee ballot applications, you may submit an Emergency Absentee Ballot Application to the Board of Elections. To receive an Emergency Absentee Ballot, you must provide a valid emergency reason on your application.
Voters who are over the age of 65, or living with a permanent disability, may also obtain an Emergency Alternative Ballot if their polling place is not fully accessible. Emergency alternative ballots may be obtained if the voter learned of the inaccessibility after the ordinary application deadline. Emergency Absentee and Alternative Applications may not be submitted prior to 5:00 P.M. on the Tuesday before the election. Emergency Absentee applications and ballots MUST be received by the County Board of Elections in City Hall Room 142, no later than 8:00 P.M. on Election Day. Postmarks are not honored.
An emergency absentee/alternative ballot can only be picked up or returned by someone other than the voter if the voter is ill or physically disabled. An Emergency Designation of Agent Form must be completed by the voter and agent for this to be allowed.
Report Election Concerns
You have rights as a voter.
It is illegal for any state or local government to discriminate against anyone by denying them the right to vote based on their:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- National origin, or
- Membership in a language minority.
Your right to vote can only be challenged if a poll worker, poll watcher, or another voter who says you do not live in the precinct or are not who you say you are. It is illegal for any person or corporation to intimidate or coerce you to vote for or against a particular candidate or political issue. Learn more about your rights as a voter.
To report any election concerns on Election Day (such as intimidation, interference, illegal voting, or unlawful electioneering), please contact the District Attorney’s Election Task Force at (215) 686-9641.
