We want to ensure everyone is prepared and ready for Municipal Primary on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Here are some key steps to take to get ready to vote!
Remember, the last day to register to vote is Monday, May 1.
Before you leave to vote
Check your voter registration status.
- Confirm that you can vote in Philadelphia for the election.
- Make sure to look up your polling place location ahead of time!
Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to vote.
- Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you must be allowed to vote.
Make a travel plan.
- You can plan to walk, drive, take public transit, or explore other options like Indego, the City’s bike-share program.
At the polls
The voting machines are accessible, and accommodations can be made if people need additional assistance. Poll workers at your voting location can also help you if you have any questions or need help.
Want more information about how to use the voting machine? We have a guide for that.
Hand sanitizer will be available, and voters will be provided a plastic glove to prevent shared transmission by pens or touch screens.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you must be allowed to vote.
Mail-in ballots
If you would like to request a Mail-In, Absentee, or Alternative Ballots your application MUST be received by the County Board of Elections no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9.
Voted ballots must be received by the County Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots may only be picked up or returned by the voter. The only exception is for voters with an illness or physical disability who correctly complete a designation of agent form, allowing another person to transport your ballot.
If you received a mail-in ballot for this election, you should mail your ballot as promptly as possible before Election Day or personally deliver it to one of the below locations no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day:
- The County Board of Elections office.
- At a ballot drop box.
You cannot deliver your voted mail-in ballot to your polling place.
If you requested a mail-in ballot but decide to vote in-person at your polling place on Election Day, then you must bring your mail-in ballot with you. You will need to surrender your mail-in ballot by giving it to one of the poll workers. You will need to bring the ballot and the declaration envelope. If you do not have your mail-in ballot, you will be able to vote by provisional ballot.
Emergency Absentee Ballot Application
If an emergency (an unexpected trip or illness, for example) occurs after the deadline for absentee ballot applications, you may submit an emergency 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 handicapped accessible.
Emergency Applications may not be made prior to 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before the election. Emergency Absentee applications MUST be received by the County Board of Elections in City Hall Room 142, no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks are not honored.
An emergency 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. Agents for Emergency Absentee voters may transport ballots for ill or disabled voters from more than one household.
Learn more about voting by mail.
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 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 voter rights.
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.
