Pennsylvania voters have until 5 p.m. Tuesday to request a mail-in ballot for next week’s municipal election, when Philadelphians will choose a new mayor, City Council members, judges and other elected officials.
Registered voters can apply for a mail-in ballot online at pavoterservices.pa.gov. City residents can also visit Room 140 at City Hall. The deadline has passed for people to register to vote in the Nov. 7 election.
More than 900,000 people statewide have requested to vote by mail this year, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State.
After getting their mail ballot, voters should follow the instructions to mark their selections, seal their ballot in the smaller secrecy envelope, and place that envelope in the outer return envelope. The return envelope needs to be signed and dated.
In addition to using the mail, voters can submit their ballots at one of the city’s 24/7 dropboxes or during the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ staffed drop-off events. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Drop-off events are scheduled Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at China Gourmet restaurant and Shawmont Elementary School; and 1 to 4 p.m. at 2739 N. 5th St. and Park West Town Center.
On Nov. 5, collection events will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Washington High School and from 1 to 4 p.m. at Temple University’s Mitten Hall and 2739 N. 5th St. A ballot drop-off is also set for Nov. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.
Last week, the City Commissioners added 24/7 dropboxes at Engine 64 fire station, Strawberry Mansion Health Center, Heitzman Recreation Center, Eastwick Library, Engine 55 fire station and Overbrook Park Library.
Boxes are also located at City Hall (near South Broad Street); Corporal Jimmy O’Connor Memorial Playground (formerly Chalfont); Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center; Eastern State Penitentiary; Ford PAL Recreation Center; Independence Branch Library; Kendrick Recreation Center; 50th Street and Kingsessing Avenue; Markward Playground; Pelbano Recreation Center; Pleasant Playground; Shepard Recreation Center; Shissler Recreation Center; Smith Playground; Stenton Playground; Vogt Recreation Center; Riverview Place; and the election warehouse at 11311 Roosevelt Blvd.
Residents can only drop off their own ballots. People who are physically unable to deliver their ballot can fill out a form designating another person as a delivery agent. The paperwork is available at vote.phila.gov.
Polls will be open for in-person voting on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can find their polling place by searching their address at atlas.phila.gov/voting.
