Your Vote is Your Voice: Make It Heard on May 19
| In the News
Across Pennsylvania, older adults have spent a lifetime building communities, raising families, paying taxes, and showing up for their neighbors, their towns, and the commonwealth. They deserve to have their voices heard at the ballot this Election Day.
Pennsylvania’s primary election on Tuesday, May 19 is an opportunity for older Pennsylvanians to vote on the issues that affect their daily lives. This includes funding that keeps senior centers open and allows Area Agencies on Aging to continue offering services like in-home care and nutrition services that help older adults to age at home.
Primaries Matter
Older adults represent roughly 22 percent of Pennsylvania’s population and are the fastest-growing demographic in the state. By 2030, 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians will be over 60. When older Pennsylvanians and their families vote, candidates and elected officials take notice.
The services that help older adults live safely and independently are directly tied to the decisions made by elected officials. Voting is how we hold those decision-makers accountable and ensure aging services remain a priority in Harrisburg.
Key Dates to Know
The May 19 primary is just around the corner. Here are the deadlines you need to keep in mind:
Not sure if your registration is up to date? Check your voter registration status at vote.pa.gov/Status before you do anything else.
Voting Options
In Person
Whether you prefer to vote in person on Election Day or from the comfort of your own home, make sure you make a plan to vote.
Find your polling location today by visiting vote.pa.gov.
By Mail
There are two vote-by-mail options available to all registered Pennsylvania voters:
- Mail-in ballot: Any registered voter may apply. You do not need to provide a reason. It’s a convenient choice for those who prefer to vote at home, on their own schedule, and without the need to travel to a polling place.
- Absentee ballot: This option is for voters who will be away from their municipality on Election Day, or who have a disability or illness that prevents them from going to the polls. A reason is required when applying.
Visit the Pennsylvania Voter Portal at vote.pa.gov or contact your county election office to request a paper application to apply for either mail option. Your application must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. on May 12.
Once you receive your completed ballot, return it so that your county election office receives it by 8 p.m. on May 19. A postmark by Election Day is not sufficient — your ballot must arrive, not just be mailed, by the deadline.
Find your county election office at vote.pa.gov/County.
Help Is Available
Voting is accessible to everyone, and there are resources available to help you through the process.
- Visit vote.pa.gov to register, apply for a mail ballot, find your polling place, and track your ballot status.
- Call the Pennsylvania voter helpline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).
- Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging. Your AAA may be able to connect you with transportation to the polls on Election Day or help you navigate the registration and mail ballot process.
You worked hard for your community. Your community and your AAA want to help make sure your voice counts.
Why Show Up This Election Day?
Every vote sends a message: we are here, we are paying attention, and we expect the people who represent us to do the same. Share this information with a friend, a neighbor, or a family member.
To learn more about how Pennsylvania’s Area Agencies on Aging support older adults across all 67 counties, visit p4a.org.