Important 2026 Election Dates
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Overview
This document outlines the critical deadlines for the 2026 election cycle in Pennsylvania, issued by the Department of State Bureau of Elections. It covers the timeline for candidate nominations, voter registration, and ballot submission for both the General Primary (May) and the General Election (November).
Candidate Nomination Deadlines
- February 17: First day to circulate and file nomination petitions.
- March 10: Last day to circulate and file nomination petitions.
- March 11: First day to circulate and file nomination papers.
- March 17: Last day to file objections to nomination petitions.
- March 18: Ballot lottery.
- March 25: Last day for candidates who filed nomination petitions to withdraw without a court order.
- August 3: Last day to circulate and file nomination papers (for the General Election).
- August 10: Last day to file objections to nomination papers.
- August 10: Last day for candidates nominated by papers or at the primary to withdraw without a court order.
Primary Election (May 19)
- May 4: Last day to register to vote in the primary.
- May 12: Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot.
- May 19: Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots (must be received by 8:00 P. M. ).
- May 19: General Primary Election Day.
- May 26: Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted military and overseas absentee ballots (must be submitted for delivery no later than 11:59 P. M. on May 18).
General Election (November 3)
- October 19: Last day to register to vote in the November election.
- October 27: Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot.
- November 3: Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots (must be received by 8:00 P. M. ).
- November 3: General Election Day.
- November 10: Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted military and overseas absentee ballots (must be submitted for delivery no later than 11:59 P. M. on November 2).
Note: All dates in this calendar are subject to change without notice.