Questions That Are Asked Frequently By Voters

Q: How can I register to vote?

A: By calling the Registration Office 724-662-7542 and requesting a registration form, or

A: Check for a registration form with your local Post Office, Library, Municipal Office or any Federal agency that offers assistance, or

A: Most any candidate or party committee members will have registration forms.

NOTE: REGISTRATION CLOSES THIRTY (30) DAYS PRIOR TO EVERY PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION.

Q: How to find out if I am registered to vote?

A: Call the Registration Office at 724-662-7542.

Q: If I missed voting last year am I still registered to vote?

A: Under the new Pennsylvania Voter Registration Act you will be purged from the registration list for not voting in 2 Federal Elections.

Q: How do I find out information about the candidates?

A: Listen or read what the news media has to report, more important go to the candidate debates or talk to the candidates personally. The Election Bureau will never give out information concerning candidates view points.

Q: Why can I not vote in the primary if I am not registered as a Republican or Democrat?

A: Pennsylvania has what is called a closed Primary, which only allows Republicans and Democrats to vote for candidates.  If there is a referendum on the ballot, all registered voters may vote for the referendum regardless of party affiliation.

Q: Why should I vote, it really doesn’t mean anything?

A: Your vote is very important.  There have been many candidates in Mercer County that have won the election by one vote.

Q: In the November Election, when I vote straight party, may I also vote for a candidate of another party

A: Yes, you may vote straight party and also vote for a candidate of another party.  The tabulation system will count all of the straight party votes and for the office you voted for another party candidate, the system will not count the straight party vote, but will count the candidate of your choice.

Q: How old do I have to be to get registered to vote?

A: You have to be 18 years of age by the day after the ensuing election

Q: How do I vote by absentee?

A: If you will be out of your municipality during the hours the polling places are open on election day or if you have an illness or physical disability that prohibits you from going to your poling place, then you may vote by absentee.

Q: When are the Polls open?

A: From 7:00 A.M. continuously to 8:00 P.M.

Q: How do I change my address or political party?

A: Change your party, address, or name on the registration form.

Q: How to run for political office?

A: You must call the Election Bureau in January of each year to see if the office you are interested in is up for election.  Judicial, County, City, Township, Borough, and School District offices are always on odd number years. Federal, State and party offices are on even number years.