What you need to know to vote in the primary

The 2021 primary election is fast approaching.

On May 18, voters will get to help decide who will win nominations for seats on the state appellate courts, local judicial positions, municipal boards and councils, school boards and some county row offices.

Voters have options when it comes to casting ballot. They can cast their ballot by mail or they can go to the polls on Election Day.

Pennsylvania operates a closed primary — meaning only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans will receive a ballot to select nominees to represent their party in the general election.

But all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, will get to vote on four ballot questions. Three of which concern proposed amendments to the state constitution. The fourth would make fire companies and emergency management services eligible for an existing state loan program.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Check first: If you aren’t sure if you’re registered to vote, find out. Trying to register again if you’re already registered could result in unnecessary hassles.

And if you haven’t voted in a while, check to make sure you’re still registered and that your address is up to date.

Voters can check their registration status by calling their county’s elections office. Voters can also call the state at 877-868-3772 or check their status online at VotesPA.com.

Choose a registration option: Pennsylvania voters can register online at register.votesPA.com. In addition to applying for a new registration, the system also can be used to update an existing voter record with new information, such as a change of name, address or party affiliation.

But voters can still mail in paper applications. Those are available online at VotesPa. com or can be picked up at government offices, libraries and post offices. You can also register in person at the county elections office.

Follow directions: Make sure to have your driver’s license, PennDOT ID or Social Security number handy when registering. If you check on the registration form that you don’t have any of those identifications, it can result in your application being delayed.

Make sure all the questions on the form are answered and filled out. Missing information can also result in delays.

Get a mailed ballot: The deadline to request a ballot by mail is May 11. Voters can apply online by visiting VotesPA.com, apply in person at the county elections office or contact the county elections office directly to request a paper application. You will need to apply with a valid Pennsylvania identification card or supply the last four digits of your Social Security number.

You can request a mailed ballot just for the primary election or you have the option to be added to the annual mailed ballot list so you’ll receive an application to renew that request each year. Once your request is approved, you will automatically receive ballots for the remainder of the year, and you do not need to submit an application for each election.

Voters can mail their ballot through the Postal Service. They must be received by the county election office by 8 p.m. May 18.