HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s 2025 primary election is set for Tuesday, May 20, and voters across the state will decide who moves forward to the general election in key judicial and local races.
Whether you’re voting in person or already have your mail ballot, here’s everything you need to know to make sure your vote counts in this closed primary election.
✅ What Happened
On May 20, 2025, registered Democrats and Republicans in Pennsylvania will head to the polls to choose their party’s candidates for the general election.
Ballots vary by county and may include races for local offices like mayor, city council, school board, and district attorney. Statewide, both parties will also vote on candidates for Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth and Superior Courts.
📌 Key Details
- Election Day: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Voting Hours: Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Voter Eligibility: Only registered Democrats and Republicans may vote in their party’s primaries.
- Unaffiliated voters: Can vote on local ballot initiatives or constitutional amendments (if applicable).
- Mail Ballot Deadline: Must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
🗺️ How and Where to Vote
- Check your registration status: PA Voter Services
- Find your polling place: PA Polling Locator
- Track mail ballots: Ballot Status Tool
🆔 First-time voters at a new location must bring an accepted form of ID such as a driver’s license or U.S. passport. Full ID list available on the state’s website.
👥 Reactions and Statements
Election officials urge all voters to plan ahead and be aware of their local ballot details.
Counties across Pennsylvania have made voter resources available online to support transparency and accessibility.
Spotlight PA, along with local bureaus in Berks and Centre counties, has published detailed guides for municipal races to help voters make informed decisions.
🔍 Races to Watch
Commonwealth Court
| Party | Candidate(s) |
|---|---|
| Republican | Matthew Wolford vs. Joshua Prince |
| Democrat | Stella Tsai (uncontested) |
Superior Court
| Party | Candidate(s) |
|---|---|
| Republican | Maria Battista vs. Ann Marie Wheatcraft |
| Democrat | Brandon P. Neuman (uncontested) |
Local races such as mayor, city council, and school board vary by location. Check your county website for a sample ballot.
🧾 FAQs
Q: Can independent voters participate in the primary?
A: No. Pennsylvania holds closed primaries. Only Democrats and Republicans can vote for party candidates. Independents may vote only on local ballot initiatives.
Q: Where can I see my sample ballot?
A: Visit the PA Department of State and follow the link to your county’s election office for sample ballots.
Q: What should I bring to vote in person?
A: If it’s your first time at a polling place, bring a valid photo or non-photo ID.
Q: What if I never received my mail ballot?
A: Contact your county election office immediately to explore your options.
Q: Are there any statewide ballot measures?
A: No statewide questions appear on the May 2025 ballot, though some counties, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, may include local initiatives.
📌 Summary / Final Takeaway
With primary elections set for May 20, 2025, Pennsylvania voters should verify their registration, polling location, and ballot details now. Voter participation in judicial and local races is vital, and resources are widely available to support informed decisions at the ballot box.
Visit vote.pa.gov and Spotlight PA’s Election Center for full candidate guides and election updates.
