Voting by Mail is GREAT when you want to be sure to vote EARLY, especially if you have any concern about getting to your polling place on Election Day.
GENERAL ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2026.
DEADLINE FOR REQUESTING A MAIL IN BALLOT – All mail-in ballots must be REQUESTED by no later than 7 days before Election Day (Tues. OCT 27) and RECEIVED by the County Board of Elections by 8:00 PM on Election Day (Tues. NOV 3).
To Vote with a mail-in ballot – follow all instructions from the City Commissioners (aka County Election Board) – linked here: https://vote.phila.gov/voting/vote-by-mail/
Annual Mail In Request – You now have the option to be added to the annual mail-in ballot request. Once your request is approved you will automatically receive ballots for the remainder of the year. You do not have to submit a request for each election.
For most folks, there are 2 ways to vote using a mail-in ballot:
- “VOTE EARLY / ON DEMAND” in person – no later than 5pm Tues. Oct. 27 (e.g., deadline 7 days before Election Day) – by going in person to an Official Board of Elections Location to REQUEST a Mail In Ballot over the counter, then completing and returning your ballot right THEN & THERE, on the spot.
- OR, REQUEST YOUR BALLOT & Return it by drop box or by mail so it is RECEIVED by 8:00 PM on Election Day – MOST RELIABLE WAY TO RETURN IT IN TIME IS TO MAIL IT BEFORE 10/27 OR DROP IT at any official Philadelphia ballot drop box or Philadelphia County Election location that is open until 8:00 PM on Election Day.
TO MAKE SURE YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT IS COUNTED, FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY THESE:
- SIGN and DATE the outer Declaration envelope (the date you’ve signed it—not your birthday, not Election Day, or any other date).
- No “Naked Ballots” — use the inner secrecy envelope!
- When marking your vote, FILL THE FULL OVAL using BLUE or BLACK INK.
- Do not make any EXTRA marks or writing on your ballot or materials. Only write or mark what is required.
- Do not enclose anything else in the envelopes.
The 8th Ward Democrats are here to help – if you have any questions, contact us to reach Committee People who can assist you in your Division !