Voting times, Pittsburgh guide to Pennsylvania's 2026 primary election

• Pennsylvania's primary election is on Tuesday, May 19, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Voters can check their registration status and find their polling location on the Pennsylvania Department of State's website.
• First-time voters must show a valid form of photo or non-photo identification at their polling location.
• Mail-in ballots can be dropped off at designated locations until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

With the clock ticking down ahead of Pennsylvania's primary election, you might be wondering where you'll cast your vote, what time polling locations open and if you're even registered to vote.

Pennsylvania's primary election will take place on May 19, with races including everything from governor all the day down to county committee members, depending on your municipality. The deadline to vote early in person has passed, but mail-in ballots can still be dropped off ahead of the election.

If you're voting in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, here's everything you need to know.

When is the 2026 primary election in Allegheny County? What time are polls open?

Allegheny's primary election will take place on Tuesday, May 19, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The general election will happen on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

How do I know if I'm registered to vote in Allegheny County?

The Pennsylvania Department of State's website allows you to look up your voter registration status. You can look up your status on the website by searching your name or by using your driver's license number or PennDOT ID.

If your status is listed as inactive, you can still vote by signing a form affirming that you meet all necessary criteria to be a registered voter.

When is the voter registration deadline in Pennsylvania?

The deadline to register to vote in Allegheny County's primary election was May 4, but there's still time to register to vote in the general election, with a deadline of Oct. 19.

Where is my polling location in Allegheny County on Election Day?

You polling location is determined based on your address. Pennsylvania's Department of State has a tool on its website that can locate your polling location. Visit their webpage to determine where to cast your vote on Election Day.

What are valid forms of ID to vote in Pennsylvania, Allegheny County?

If it's your first time voting, you'll need to show proof of identification. Those who have voted before do not need to show ID unless they have moved or have been assigned to a new polling location.

A valid form of photo identification can include:

• Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card
• ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
• ID issued by the U.S. government
• U.S. passport
• U.S. Armed Forces ID
• Student ID (including an electronic/digital student ID card)
• Employee ID

If you don't have a photo ID, any of the following documents can be provided as a form of identification, as long as they have your name and address printed on them:

• Confirmation issued by the county voter registration office, such as a voter registration card
• Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
• Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. government
• Firearm permit
• Current utility bill
• Current bank statement
• Paycheck
• Government check

I have a mail ballot. Is there still time to drop it off?

If you're voting by mail ballot, you will cast your vote at your county election office or another officially designated location before Election Day.

The deadline has passed to vote in person with a mail ballot. But ballots can be dropped off at return locations throughout the county until 8 p.m. on Election Day, as long as voters applied for their mail ballots ahead of the May 12 deadline.

Can a family member or friend drop off my ballot for me?

Under state law, voters must return their own ballots, though there's an exception for voters with a disability who have designated someone in writing through the "Authorize a Designated Agent Form" to deliver their ballot. That form can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of State's website.

What ballot options are available for voters with disabilities?

In-person votes are cast on paper ballots, and ExpressVote ballot marking devices will be available at each polling location for those who are unable to mark a paper ballot.

The deadline to receive an accessible remote ballot has passed, but those who utilize screen readers and assistive devices may submit a request submit a request online, through the mail or via email ahead of the general election.

Can I see if my ballot was accepted and counted?

The status of your ballot can be tracked online at the Pennsylvania Department of State's website. Additionally, if you provide your email address to Allegheny County Elections when you register to vote or apply for a mail ballot, you may receive an email when your returned ballot is received and other information about its status.

Mail ballot return locations in Allegheny County

Ballot return locations in Allegheny County will follow these hours on Monday, May 18 and Election Day:

• Monday, May 18: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 19 (Election Day): 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ballots dropped off on Election Day may only be returned to Allegheny's County Office Building on Forbes Avenue in Pittsburgh.

Here's the complete list of locations where voters can return their mail-in ballots on Monday, May 18:

Pittsburgh

• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill location), 5801 Forbes Avenue
• CCAC Homewood-Brushton Center, 701 North Homewood Avenue
• County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue
• Dormont Pool, 1801 Dormont Avenue

Avalon

• Avalon Public Library, 317 South Home Avenue

Bethel Park

• South Park Ice Rink, 300 Corrigan Drive

Duquesne

• Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 North Linden Street

Moon Township

• Allegheny County Emergency Services, 150 Hookstown Grade Road

Plum

• Boyce Park Four Seasons Lodge, 901 Centerview Drive, Plum

Wexford

• North Park Ice Rink, 1200 Pearce Mill Road

Where can I see poll results on Election Day in Allegheny County?

Allegheny County Elections will publish results online as they come in. Results can be viewed here.

Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at [email protected]. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.