News Flash

NORRISTOWN, PA – The Montgomery County Board of Elections released today upcoming deadlines and information for the 2021 election cycle, including the Unofficial List of Offices. 

“Any resident who wants to vote by mail will need to apply again this year, even if you voted by mail in 2020.” said Kenneth E. Lawrence, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. “Any registered Montgomery County voter can apply for a mail-in ballot online, download a paper form, or request that one be mailed to their home on our website, www.montcopa.org/VoteByMail.”

Voters who opted into an annual mailing list will receive their 2021 mail-in ballot applications in early February, but can also apply online if they prefer. If you receive an application in the mail and do not want to vote by mail in 2021, simply dispose of the application. Mail-In ballots are only sent to residents who apply, and will be mailed in April after the ballot has been certified.

Residents should only submit one application for a mail-in ballot, as any additional applications will be rejected.

Mail-In Ballot applications must be received by May 11, 2021 in order to receive a mail-in ballot for the 2021 Primary Election. While completing the application, the voter will be given the option to receive a Mail-In Ballot for just the Primary or for both the Primary & the General Election in 2021. 

Registering to Vote & Updating Voter Information: Residents must be registered to vote or make any changes or updates to their voter registration by May 3, 2021 in order to vote in the Primary Election on May 18, 2021. 

“We encourage everyone to check their voter registration before May 3 to make sure their information is up to date,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “We know that residents may still want to vote by mail due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured, whether you choose to vote by mail or in person, your vote will be counted.” 

Because Pennsylvania has closed primaries, voters that choose Democratic or Republican as their party on their Voter Registration Application can only vote only for candidates from their registered party and nonpartisan contests. Voters who choose a party affiliation that is not Democratic or Republican can only vote in nonpartisan contests. To check your voter registration information, visit www.montcopa.org/VoterRegistration. 

Voting in Person: Residents who plan to vote in person can visit www.montcopa.org/VoteInPerson to find their polling location, answers to frequently asked questions, and information about the role of each person working within a polling location. The Primary Election will be held on May 18, 2021, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. 

Candidates Running for Office: All candidates who wish to appear on the Democratic or Republican ballot in the Primary Election must file nomination petitions and a “Statement of Financial Interests” with the County Board of Elections. These petitions can be circulated from February 16, 2021 until March 9, 2021. These forms, along with an instruction packet, will be available at the Voter Services Office and online. Candidates who file nomination petitions and successfully win the party’s nomination in the Primary Election will automatically have their name appear on the November ballot for the office they are seeking. More information about how to run for office can be found at www.montcopa.org/RunningForOffice. 

For the full list of 2021 election cycle dates, click here.

To learn more, visit the Voter Services Frequently Asked Questions page.

Media Contact: Kelly Cofrancisco, kcofrancisco@montcopa.org