If you want to cast a ballot in Pennsylvania’s primary election on May 19, now is the time to make a plan to vote. Voting is probably the most powerful act you can perform as an individual to make your voice heard in our democracy and help shape the future of the community you call home. As a state lawmaker and a passionate voter, I want to make sure everyone in our community can access the tools needed to participate in the election process. Please share the information in this column with your family and your friends.
If you are not registered to vote, you must register by May 4 to vote in the upcoming primary. Even if you are already registered, it’s critical to verify that your current voter registration is accurate and up to date. If you moved to a new address recently, it’s important to update your registration as soon as possible. Additionally, Pennsylvania is a closed primary state, so you must be registered with a political party to vote in that party’s primary election, so be sure to check that your party registration is up to date with your preference. All of this, as well as finding your polling location, can be done online with a few clicks at vote.pa.gov through the Department of State’s website.
For those who prefer to vote by mail, the deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 12. All mail ballots must be received by the county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. The best way to ensure that your ballot is received on time is to hand-deliver it to the County Office Building (542 Forbes Ave. in downtown Pittsburgh) as soon as you can, ideally well before the ballot return deadline on May 19. Detailed instructions on filling out a mail ballot are available on the county website. If you have any questions, you may contact the Allegheny County Elections Division at 412-350-4500.
Here in Pennsylvania, my colleagues and I have been working at the state Capitol to strengthen voting rights for all Pennsylvanians. Last year, I proudly voted for, and the state House passed, the Voting Rights Protection Act, legislation that would make commonsense reforms, including allowing the counting of mail ballots before Election Day, increasing options for early voting, creating a post-election audit process, and more. That bill has been in the hands of the state Senate since May 2025. For these reforms to become law, the bill must be passed by the Senate and signed by the governor.
As Trump continues to signal his desire to nationalize elections, fighting to ensure our elections remain safe, secure, and under state control is more important now than ever before. Across the country, we are seeing continued efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and, in some cases, to make voting more difficult. I want to be clear: your right to vote is protected by law. It is illegal for anyone to intimidate or harass voters, and there are safeguards in place to ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot. If you ever witness or experience an issue like this at the polls, report it to a county election official and to the Department of State at 1-877-868-3772 immediately.
Our democracy is strongest when more people vote. By taking a few simple steps now to make a plan to vote, you can help ensure your voice is heard on May 19. If you have questions about registering to vote, applying for a mail ballot, or finding your polling place, my office can help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out by calling 412-3215523, emailing [email protected], or visiting my office at 658 Lincoln Ave. in Bellevue.
