April 10, 2017
Pennsylvania residents are running out of time to register to vote in next month's primary election.
On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés reminded state residents that April 17 is the final day to register to be eligible to cast a ballot on May 16. Individuals who have been state residents for at least 30 days and are at least 18 years of age by the primary date can vote.
Under state law, voters can only select nominees representing their party.
All valid Pennsylvanian voters will be asked to weigh in on the Democratic and Republican judicial nominees for seats on the state's Supreme Court, Superior Court and Commonwealth Court.
Additionally, Philadelphia voters face key decisions that will affect the city's government. Races to decide the major parties' candidates for district attorney, city controller and judges on the Common Pleas Courts and Municipal Court will be settled.
State officials urge potential voters to check their status on the Online Voter Registration website before Monday's deadline.
“Voting is one of our most fundamental rights as citizens,” Wolf said. “Our secure online voter registration, which has been used by more than 930,000 Pennsylvanians, assists in reducing barriers for participation in the electoral process while also reducing costs for county governments.”
On the page, residents can register for the first time, update an existing registration or change party affiliation.
“OVR makes registering or updating an existing registration more convenient, secure and accurate than using a traditional paper form,” said Cortés. “The OVR system ensures that applications are complete when submitted, so there is much less chance for error.”
Residents can also register by mail or in person at any county voter registration office, PennDOT photo and driver's license centers and other state offices.
Primary winners will square off in the Nov. 7 general election.
