Residents who wish to vote in the upcoming May 17 primary election must be registered by Monday, April 18. Registered voters who have moved or changed their name or party affiliation must notify the Elections Division by April 18. Individuals must be registered in a political party in order to vote in that party’s primary.

In order to qualify to vote, one must be a United States citizen at least one month prior to the primary, a resident of Pennsylvania and his or her election district at least 30 days before the primary, and 18 years of age on or before the day of the primary.

Individuals needing to register may apply in person between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Office of the Registration Commission in Room 609 of the County Office Building located at 542 Forbes Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh. The Elections Division will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on April 18 to accept hand-delivered voter registration forms.

Registration-by-mail forms may also be used to register or to change name, address or party affiliation. These forms are available at Armed Service Recruitment Centers, Area Agencies on Aging, as well as several branches of the U.S. Postal Service and state, county and municipal government offices. Registration-by-mail forms must be postmarked no later than April 18 in order to be processed for the May 17 primary. A registration form may also be obtained by visiting www.votespa.com and following the quick link to “Register to Vote.”

The PHCA office at 3060 Brereton Street also has voter registration forms.

Once the form is completed and returned to the Elections Division, approved applicants will receive a voter identification card showing municipality, ward and/or election district, and assigned polling place. The identification card may be required to be shown at the polling place.

Allegheny County residents who have questions or would like to verify their registration status should call the Elections Division at 412-350-4510 or visit www.alleghenycounty.us/elect.