Apr 18, 2013 2 min read

The Washington County elections office reminds residents who plan to vote in the May 21 primary election that they must be registered by Monday.

Registered voters who have moved or changed their name or party affiliation must also notify the elections office by April 22. Individuals must be registered in a political party in order to vote in that party’s primary.

To qualify to vote, a person 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 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the elections office on the second floor of the Courthouse Square office building between West Beau Street and West Cherry Avenue, Washington.

The elections office will remain open until 5 p.m. Monday 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 by April 22 to be processed for the May 21 primary. A registration form may also be obtained by visiting Votes PA website and following the quick link to “Register to Vote.” The process, however, can be completed online only in a voter registration office because of the signature requirement.

Once the form is completed and returned to the Elections Division, approved applicants will receive a Certificate of Voter Registration showing municipality, ward and/or election district, and assigned polling place.

Washington County residents who have questions or would like to verify their registration status may call the elections office at 724-228-6750 or visit the Washington County website.