Voter Guide

Election Information

The Primary Election is Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Democrats registered to vote in Lancaster City are eligible to vote for Jaime Arroyo for Mayor of Lancaster.

Important Dates to Remember

  • May 5, 2025 — Voter Registration Deadline
  • May 13, 2025 — Deadline to request a Mail Ballot
  • May 20, 2025 — Primary Election. Polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Mail Ballots must be received by Board of Elections by 8 p.m.
Register to Vote
Check Registration Status
Request a Mail Ballot
Early Voting

Voting In Person

Here is what to expect when you vote in person at your polling place.

  • Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Remember, if you are in line by 8 p.m., you can vote.
  • When you arrive, you will check in with the poll workers. Then, you will either hand mark a paper ballot or cast your vote using a machine called a ballot marking device.
  • If it is your first time voting at this polling place, you may need to show ID. See the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information.
Find Your Polling Place
Voting System Demo

Voting By Mail

Voting by mail is an easy, secure way to make sure your voice is heard.

How to Complete Your Mail Ballot

Follow these steps to complete and return your mail ballot:

  1. Open your ballot. Take care not to rip any of the contents inside the envelope.
  2. Make your selections on your ballot, including selecting Jaime Arroyo for Mayor of Lancaster. Do not write any identifying marks (name, address, etc.) on your ballot.
  3. Please your ballot in the yellow secrecy envelope. Seal the envelope. Do not write any identifying marks (name, address, etc.) on the secrecy envelope.
  4. Place the yellow secrecy envelope inside the ballot return envelope. Seal the envelope, then sign the Voter Declaration where indicated and put the date you completed the ballot. Do not write your birthdate.
  5. Return your ballot by mail, or drop it off in person at the Lancaster County Board of Elections (150 N. Queen Street, Chestnut Street entrance.)

Deadlines & Timing

Though the deadline to request a mail ballot is Tuesday, May 13, 2025, we recommend requesting your ballot as early as possible to prevent mailing delays.

Your mail ballot must be received by the Lancaster County Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

If you still have your mail ballot by Thursday, May 15, 2025 don’t mail it back! Due to postal delivery speeds, your ballot may arrive too late to be counted. Instead, plan to drop your ballot off in person at the Board of Elections (150 N. Queen Street, Chestnut Street entrance) or surrender your entire mail ballot, including envelopes, at your polling place on Election Day and vote in person.

Request a Mail Ballot
Check Ballot Status

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find an answer to your question here, call the PA Department of State’s official year-round voter hotline, 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).

Voting In Person

I’m at the wrong polling place. What should I do?

You must go to your correct polling place to vote. However, if you believe you are eligible to vote at that polling place–for example, you recently moved and are at your former polling place–you may ask to vote using a provisional ballot.

I am at the right polling place, but my name isn’t in the poll book. Can I still vote?

Yes. If this happens, you have the right to vote using a provisional ballot. The Lancaster County Board of Elections will verify that you did not vote at another polling place before counting your provisional ballot.

Can I return my mail ballot at my polling place?

No. Your completed mail ballot must be returned directly to the Lancaster County Board of Elections (150 N. Queen Street, Chestnut Street entrance.) If you did not complete your mail-in or absentee ballot, you may surrender it, along with the outer return envelope, at your polling place, then vote in person.

I requested a mail ballot but did not receive it or lost it. Can I vote at my polling place?

You can vote by provisional ballot at your polling place. The Lancaster County Board of Elections will verify that you did not vote by mail before counting your provisional ballot.

Do I need to show ID at the polls?

Only if it’s your first time voting at a new polling place. If so, you must bring an approved form of identification. Approved forms of photo identification are:

  • 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
  • Employee ID

If you do not have a photo ID, you can use an approved non-photo ID that includes your name and address. Approved forms of non-photo ID are:

  • Confirmation or voter registration card issued by your county elections office
  • Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
  • Non-photo ID issued by the federal government
  • Firearm permit
  • Current utility bill
  • Current bank statement
  • Current paycheck
  • Government check

Voting By Mail

When do I need to return my mail ballot?

Please return your mail ballot as soon as possible. Mail ballots must be received by the Lancaster County Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Postmarks do not count.

If you still have your mail ballot by Thursday, May 15, 2025 don’t mail it back! Due to postal delivery speeds, your ballot may arrive too late to be counted. Instead, plan to drop your ballot off in person at the Board of Elections (150 N. Queen Street, Chestnut Street entrance) or vote in person on Election Day.

Can I return my mail ballot at my polling place?

No. Your completed mail ballot must be returned directly to the Lancaster County Board of Elections (150 N. Queen Street, Chestnut Street entrance.) If you did not complete your mail-in or absentee ballot, you may surrender it, along with the outer return envelope, at your polling place, then vote in person.

I requested a mail ballot but did not receive it or lost it. Can I vote at my polling place?

You can vote by provisional ballot at your polling place. The Lancaster County Board of Elections will verify that you did not vote by mail before counting your provisional ballot.

I requested a mail ballot, can I still vote in person?

Yes. On Election Day, surrender your entire ballot, including all envelopes, to the poll workers at your polling place. They will ask you to complete a form certifying that you are surrendering your ballot. Then, you will be able to vote in person with a regular ballot.

Can I return my mail ballot in person?

Yes. You can return your mail ballot to the Lancaster County Board of Elections at (150 N. Queen Street, Chestnut Street entrance) during their regular business hours. Please note, you may only return your mail ballot to your assigned polling place on Election Day by surrendering it and voting in person (see above.)

Can my partner/neighbor/friend drop my mail ballot off for me?

In general, no. However, you may complete a Designated Agent Form (PDF) which allows another person to return your ballot on your behalf. Please note, your employer, an agent of your employer, or someone from your labor union cannot be your designated agent.