HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania.- The next November 4,2025 Pennsylvania voters will go to the polls to elect candidates to various municipal and judicial offices across the state.
From 7 am to 8 pm voters will be able to go to the polls to elect their representatives. To locate your voting center, click here.
Although local elections vary by county, all voters will decide who will fill a vacancy in the Commonwealth Court and another in the Superior Court along with voting on whether to keep three judges of the state Supreme court.
The Commonwealth Court, composed of nine judges, handles civil cases involving the state, local governments and regulatory agencies.
The vacant seat will be contested by the Democrat Stella Tsai and the republican Matthew Wolford. Judges serve terms of 10 years and then face votes of nonpartisan retention.
Voters will also decide whether the judge Michael Wojcik continues in office.
The Superior Court,with 15 judges,hears appeals in criminal,civil and family cases.
Pennsylvania Voters to Decide on Key Supreme Court Retention Races
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Three Democratic judges – Christine Donohue,Kevin Dougherty y David Wecht– seek re-election in the retention vote.
In recent years, the court has made key decisions on the absentee ballot, school financing and the electoral district redrawing. It also ruled that minors cannot be sentenced to life in prison without parole, except in exceptional cases.
This choice could maintain or modify the political composition of the court, wich woudl have repercussions on future legal decisions.
local measures on the ballot
Absentee Voting in Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide
Pennsylvania offers several options for voters who can’t make it to the polls on Election day. Absentee voting, now commonly referred to as mail-in voting, allows eligible residents to cast their ballots from the convenience of their homes. Here’s a breakdown of the process, deadlines, and critically important considerations.
Who is Eligible for a Mail-In Ballot?
Any registered Pennsylvania voter can apply for a mail-in ballot. You don’t need a specific reason, unlike conventional absentee voting which previously required specific excuses. This change,enacted through Act 77 of 2019,significantly expanded access to voting by mail.
How to Apply for a Mail-In Ballot
Applying for a mail-in ballot is straightforward. You can apply online through the Pennsylvania Department of State website.alternatively, you can download a paper application and mail it to your county elections office. It’s best to apply well in advance of the deadline to ensure your ballot arrives on time.
Critically important Deadlines
Keeping track of deadlines is crucial. Here’s a timeline to follow:
- Application Deadline: Applications must be received by your county elections office by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before the election.
- Ballot Request Deadline: The deadline to *request* a mail-in ballot is typically one week before Election Day.
- Ballot Return Deadline: Your completed ballot must be received by your county elections office by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Postmarking isn’t enough; it must be physically received.
What if I Miss the Deadline?
If you missed the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot,don’t worry. You still have options. You can request an emergency absentee voting at your county elections office in the event of illness, disability, or unforeseen absence.
Tracking Your ballot & Voting in-Person
Voters can check the status of your ballot or contact your local elections office if you have not received it on time. Thay can also go directly to the county office to fill out a ballot there or vote in person on Election Day. In that case, they could use a provisional ballot if they had already requested the vote by mail.
Publication Date: 2025/10/29 06:46:35