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Voter Frequently Asked Questions

Qualifications for Voter Registration

In order to be eligible to register to vote, you must:

      • Be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the next election.
      • Be a resident of Pennsylvania and your election district for at least 30 days before the next election.
      • Be at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election.

If you are currently registered to vote, you do not have to re-register unless you have moved, or wish to change your name or political party affiliation.


 Qualifications for Voters at a Primary

The qualifications for a voter entitled to vote at a primary are the same as a voter entitled to vote at an election, except that he or she must be registered in a political party (Republican or Democrat) in order to take part in and vote in that party's primary.  However, all registered voters are entitled to vote on questions placed on the ballot or at a special election held concurrently with a Primary.


Register to Vote in Person

You may register to vote at the Tioga County Elections/Voter Registration Office, Courthouse 118 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901.  Business Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Phone number (570) 723-8230.


Register to Vote by Mail

You may register to vote by mail.  Forms are available at all Tioga County Post Offices, Borough & Township Offices, as well as State Senate & State House Representatives Offices.  You may also call the Voter Registration Office for forms.  These forms require a postage stamp for return delivery to the County Office.


Register to Vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles

An application for a driver's license or renewal can serve as an application for voter registration or an update to a previous voter registration.  The Department of Transportation transmits the contents of the application electronically to the Department of State.  The Department of State prints the application and forwards them to the appropriate voter registration commission.


Register to Vote at Various Government Agencies

Several government agencies offer voter registration applications.  The Department of Public Welfare, Health, Labor and Industry, the County Clerk of Orphan's Court and all armed forces recruitment centers offer this service.  All forms submitted at these agencies are forwarded to the proper county voter registration commission.


Voter Registration Deadlines

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Voter Registration Act, the deadline for voter registration is 30 days prior to each election, with the following exceptions:

      • Mail applications postmarked no later than the deadline to register must be processed.  If the postmark is illegible, applications must be processed when received no later than five days after the deadline.
      • If the application is submitted from the Department of Transportation or agencies designated for registration before the deadline to register prior to the election, the proper voter registration commission must process the application.
      • Voter registration reopens the day following any primary or election.


Absentee Voting

Any qualified registered elector who will be absent from their municipality or unable to vote due to an illness or physical disability is entitled to vote by absentee ballot.  Applications may be obtained 50 days prior to any election, but not later than 7 days before the election from the Elections/Voter Registration office.


When Elections are Held

      • General Elections are held in even-numbered years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
      • Municipal Elections are held in odd-numbered years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
      • The Primary Election in each even-numbered year is called the General Primary and is held on the third Tuesday in May, except in Presidential years when it is held on the fourth Tuesday in April
      • The Primary Election in each odd-numbered year is called the Municipal Primary and is held on the third Tuesday in May
      • Justices of the Supreme Court, Judges of Superior and Commonwealth Courts, Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, Magisterial District Judge, constables and all county municipal, school district and election district officers are elected only at a Municipal Election
      • Electors for President and Vice-President, United States Senators, Representatives in Congress, Governor and Lt. Governor, Auditor General, State Treasurer, Attorney General and Senators and Representatives in the General Assembly are elected only at a General Election.

The polls are open at all primaries and elections between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., prevailing time.