PA Department of State: Absentee Ballots for Primary Election Due Friday

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Most absentee ballots must be received by county election bureaus by 5 p.m. Friday, May 14, Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes today reminded Pennsylvania voters.

"Voting is essential to our democracy, so we make every effort to ensure all those who are eligible to vote have the means to cast a ballot," Cortes said. "Because not everyone can be at their assigned polling places on primary election day, the state Election Code allows absentee voting for those who are eligible and applied for absentee ballots. However, we need voters to return their ballots on time."

Some exceptions to the deadline apply to military, overseas and emergency absentee voters. More information about the deadlines for these absentee voters is available online at VotesPA.com.

The deadline to apply for absentee ballots was Tuesday, May 11.

Traditionally, active, deployed members of the military, Pennsylvania students attending out-of-state colleges or universities, individuals away from their municipality on business and individuals with illnesses or disabilities vote via absentee ballot.

A registered absentee voter can designate someone else to deliver the absentee application and ballot if the voter is physically unable to do so. Certification of Designated Agents forms are also available through VotesPA.com.

In addition, Cortes reminded those voters who registered for the first time, changed address or changed party affiliation that they should have received confirmation of registration within 14 days of submitting their application. He suggested voters call their county voter registration offices if they have not received such confirmation or have other questions.

For additional information about voting in Pennsylvania, county contact information and how you can prepare to participate in Pennsylvania's primary election on May 18, visit VotesPA.com or call toll-free 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).

Media contacts: Leslie Amoros or Charlie Young, 717-783-1621

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State