How to Vote in the Philadelphia District Attorney Election
Philadelphia’s District Attorney race will shape public safety and justice in our city. Here’s how first-time and returning voters can make a plan to cast a ballot with confidence.
Who is eligible?
Meet the basic requirements
You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Pennsylvania and your Philadelphia precinct for at least 30 days before Election Day, and be 18 or older on or before Election Day.
Get registered
Pennsylvania closes voter registration 15 days before each election. Register online, by mail, or in person to participate in the District Attorney election.
Register to voteKnow who can and cannot vote
Philadelphians on parole, probation, or who have completed felony sentences can vote. You cannot vote if you are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction or have been declared mentally incompetent by a court.
Source: Philadelphia City Commissioners. Confirm details on the official site as election guidance may change.
Choose the voting method that fits your schedule
Whether you plan to vote on Election Day, at home, or by hand-delivering your mail ballot, follow the official steps to make sure your vote counts.
Vote in person on Election Day
Polling places are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. As long as you are in line by 8 PM, you can vote. First-time voters at a location should bring an approved photo or non-photo ID.
- Confirm your assigned polling location before you go.
- Accessible voting systems and language assistance are available.
- If you requested a mail ballot but never returned it, bring the entire packet to be voided on site.
Vote by mail
Any Philadelphia voter may request a no-excuse mail-in ballot. Applications are due by 5 PM the Tuesday before Election Day, and completed ballots must reach the Commissioners by 8 PM on Election Day.
- Apply early to allow time for postal delivery both ways.
- Sign and date the voter declaration, place the ballot in the secrecy envelope, then into the outer return envelope.
- Track the status of your application and ballot online once it is mailed back.
Return your ballot in person
Hand-deliver completed mail ballots to the Voter Registration Office at City Hall or to an official secure drop box. Only you may return your ballot unless you have an emergency designation form.
- Drop boxes open closer to Election Day; hours vary by location.
- Bring a valid photo ID when delivering your ballot to the office counter.
- Use the official drop-off map to confirm locations and hours before you travel.
Set yourself up for a smooth voting day
A few minutes of preparation prevents day-of surprises. Set reminders, gather documents, and confirm logistics ahead of time.
Check your registration
Verify your status and update your address, name, or party if anything has changed.
Look up registrationMark key deadlines
Registration closes 15 days out; mail ballot applications are due by 5 PM one week out; ballots must be received by 8 PM on Election Day.
Plan your trip
Use the polling place finder or drop-off map to decide when and where you will cast or return your ballot.
Plan your locationVoting in person: what to expect
First-time voters in a precinct should bring a valid photo ID (Pennsylvania driver’s license, passport, student ID) or an approved non-photo document. Returning voters are not required to show ID unless specifically asked. Polling places provide privacy booths, accessible machines, and language assistance.
- Polls are open 7 AM – 8 PM; stay in line if you arrive before closing.
- You may bring notes or a sample ballot; campaigning is not allowed inside the polling room.
- If your eligibility is questioned, request a provisional ballot so election officials can review your status.
- Need assistance? You may bring someone you trust (not your employer or union representative) to help you complete your ballot.
Tip for mail voters:
If you requested a mail ballot but decide to vote in person, bring your ballot and both envelopes with you. Poll workers will void it so you can vote on the machines.
Helpful contacts
Voter hotline
Call the Philadelphia City Commissioners at 215-686-3460 for election questions or language help.
Accessible voting
Every polling place has ADA-compliant machines. You can also designate someone to assist you—bring them with you or ask for bipartisan assistance on site.
Emergency ballots
If an emergency keeps you from the polls after the mail ballot deadline, you may apply for an emergency absentee ballot up to 8 PM on Election Day at City Hall.
Stay informed
Sign up for election alerts, view sample ballots, and confirm satellite election office hours on vote.phila.gov. Information is updated as soon as the City Commissioners release official guidance.