How Do Elections Work?
In Pennsylvania, federal, state, and local elections are how voters choose leaders who will represent them in federal, state, and local government. We elect leaders who make decisions on our behalf that affect our everyday life and help shape the future of their community and country.
What Is an Election?
An election is when people vote to choose someone for a job in the government. This includes federal, state, and local government. The person with the most votes usually wins.
In Pennsylvania, eligible voters can participate in two elections every year:
Primary Election
A primary election happens every spring, usually the third Tuesday in May. In a primary election, voters choose the person they want to represent their political party in the general election. In a presidential election year, the primary election is held in April.
Pennsylvania is a closed primary state. This means you must be registered as a Democrat or Republican to vote for that party's candidates in the primary election.
However, all registered voters can vote in a primary election if the ballot includes any of the following:
A question about changing the state constitution
Another question on the ballot making a change in local government
A special election in the voter's district
General Election
A general election happens every fall, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. In the general election, political parties compete to see who wins. Voters choose the person they want to hold that office. The candidate who wins gets to serve in that elected position.
Special Election
A special election happens when an elected official can no longer do their job. This can happen if the person quits, dies, or is removed from office. Voters choose a new person to fill the job. All registered voters who live in the district can vote in the special election.
Every year, Pennsylvania voters get to vote for candidates in either the Federal, State or Local levels of government depending on when the term limits are up for those specific offices. This includes:
Federal:
President/Vice President of the United States (4 year terms)
U.S. Senators (6 year terms)
U.S. House Representatives (2 year terms)
State:
Governor/Lt. Governor (4 year terms)
Attorney General (4 year term)
Auditor General (4 year term)
Treasurer (4 year term)
State Senators (4 year terms - Not all State Senators are elected at the same time. Every 4 years, only half of the Senate seats are up for election)
State House Representatives (2 year terms)
State Court Justices on the Supreme Court, Judges on the Superior, and Commonwealth Court, and Judges on the Court of Common Pleas (10 year terms with retention elections)
Local:
Minor Court Judges (6 year terms)
Mayors (4-6 year terms)
County Commissioners (4 year terms)
Township Supervisors (4-6 year terms)
School Board Members (4 years terms)
Local Judges (6 year terms)
And several other local positions
Who Can Vote?
Each state has its own voting laws, so the rules can be a little different if you are outside of Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, you can register to vote if you:
Are a U.S. citizen for at least one month before the next election
Are at least 18 years old or turning 18 by the next Election Day.
Live in Pennsylvania for at least 30 days before the next election
You can check out more information on Pennsylvania’s voter registration requirements here
You can check your voter registration status here
How You Can Take Part in Elections
Step 1: Register to Vote
Before you can vote, you must register. Registering to vote and receiving your voter registration card confirms you are officially on the voter list. This tells election officials that you are eligible to vote.
In Pennsylvania, you can register:
Online
By mail
At some government agencies, including Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Photo License and Driver’s License Centers.
In Pennsylvania, you must be registered to vote at least 15 days before the next election.
Learn more about casting a ballot here.
Step 2: Learn About the Candidates
Candidates are people running for office. They share their ideas and plans to help voters decide who they want to support in an election.
Voters can:
Read about the candidates
Watch debates and forums
Attend community events
Visit trusted non-partisan websites to learn more and see what candidates are on your ballot
Step 3: Vote
On Election Day—or before, if early voting is available—eligible voters can cast their vote.
In Pennsylvania, voters can:
Vote in person on Election Day (polls are open from 7am-8pm)
Vote by mail-in ballot (deadlines to request a mail ballot)
Vote in-person early by requesting an “on demand mail ballot” in person at your county election office or satellite election office
Every eligible voter gets one vote in each race.
What Happens Next?
The Votes Are Counted
After polls close on Election Day, election workers count every valid ballot. Election officials work carefully to make sure every eligible vote is counted correctly.
Sometimes results are ready the same day. Other times, it takes several days because every ballot must be checked and counted.
The Winning Candidate Is Announced
When all the votes are counted, the candidate with the most votes usually wins the election.
Why Voting Matters
Voting is one of the most important ways people can help shape their communities.
When people vote, they help decide:
Who makes laws
How tax money is spent
What changes happen in their community
What the future of their state and country will look like
Every vote is a chance to have your voice heard about things you care about.
