Register to vote by April 17 deadline

Delaware County residents who wish to vote in the May 16 primary election have just three weeks left to register by the April 17 deadline.

There are currently 391,201 registered voters in the county, including 164,299 Republicans and 178,267 Democrats. The remaining 48,635 are scattered among various third parties, including a few thousand in the Green, Libertarian and Independent parties.

Most of those not registered with either of the two major parties fall under “non-partisan,” with more than 10,000 members, or have registered “no affiliation,” a group encompassing more than 25,000 members. Several thousand others have registered as some form of “noncommittal” or “unaffiliated,” while perennial groups the “Birthday” and “Wild” parties still make a showing of one or two members.

To join the roles, registrants do not need to be 18 years or older at the time they hand over their forms, but must be at least 18 come Election Day.

Voter registration forms are also available at all municipal buildings, libraries and wine and spirit stores. They can be delivered to the Voter Registration Commission in the lobby of the Delaware County Government Center in Media between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at co.delaware.pa.us by clicking the Voter Registration Department page.

Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5 p.m. May 9 and the absentee ballot must be in hand at the Election Bureau by 5 p.m. May 12. The absentee ballot deadline is not based on postmarks.

Eligible voters can double-check registration at votespa.com, or may call the Voter Registration Commission with any questions 610-891-4659. A hearing impaired TDD line can be reached at 610-891-4306.