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FAQ: The May 17 primary election

(Source: Pa.gov)

(Source: Pa.gov)
(Source: Pa.gov)

Next Tuesday, May 17, is Pennsylvania's 2022 primary election, in which Republican and Democratic voters will choose their party's candidates for various municipal, school district and judicial offices.

Major offices are at stake, including Pennsylvania's governorship, lieutenant governorship, one of its two U.S. Senate seats and all state House and U.S. House seats.

The winners will compete in November's general election — or sail into office unopposed if the other party fails to field a candidate.

Below is an FAQ for Lancaster County voters. You may also want to read the county board of elections' "Tips on How to Be a Prepared Voter."  Additional information is available on the board of elections' website and at VotesPa.com.

When will the polls be open?

From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17.

How do I find my polling place?

Visit this link.

How do I find out who is on the ballot?

Use the Lancaster County Specimen Ballot Viewer. A complete list of candidates in all county jurisdictions is available here.

Can I still register to vote in this election?

No, the last day was May 2.

Can I still sign up to vote by mail?

Barely: You have until 5 p.m. today (Tuesday, May 10). To sign up, or for more information, visit VotesPa.com.

How late can I return a mail-in ballot?

Your ballot must arrive at the county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks do not count. If you don't think there's enough time left, return your ballot by hand to the bureau, 150 N. Queen St., Lancaster.  The office is normally open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is offering extended hours as follows:

  • Friday, May 13: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 14: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Monday, May 16: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 17 (Election Day): 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Currently, the county does not have a drop box at the County Government Center. Ballots must be handed in at the elections office counter (Suite 117).

What voting system does Lancaster County use?

Lancaster County now uses paper ballots that voters fill in by hand. They are then scanned. Click here for a step-by-step guide to the process.

Do I need ID?

First-time voters in a precinct will be asked for identification. Thereafter, it is not required.

Where can I learn more about the candidates?

Independent watchdog publication Spotlight PA has guides to Pennsylvania's governor, lieutenant governor and Senate races.

Locally, LNP has posted profiles of the candidates in several contested state House races, including the 49th District (Janet Diaz vs. Ismail Smith-Wade-El in the Democratic primary), 96th District (state Rep. Mike Sturla vs. Dana Hamp Gulick in the Democratic primary), 98th District (Faith Bucks, Lu Ann Fahndrich and Tom Jones in the Republican primary) and 100th District (House Speaker Bryan Cutler vs. Anne Weston); as well as the 36th Senate District (state Sen. Ryan Aument vs. Mike Miller)

(Editor's Note: This story has been updated to add links to candidate profiles published since it was posted.)