Special Elections
Pennsylvania holds special elections when someone in office can no longer serve. This may happen when someone resigns, dies, or gets removed from office. Voters must select someone to replace that person.
Special elections may be held:
- during a general election
- during a primary election
- on a different day designated by the elections office
The county or counties running the special election must advertise the date and locations for the special election, as well as the candidates running for office.
Everyone who lives in the district the candidates will represent can vote in the special election.
On the day of a special election, results will be posted to our
election returns site beginning shortly after the polls close.
PLEASE NOTE: Special Elections held BEFORE 4/28/2020 are NOT affected by Act 77. This means that:
- The voter registration deadline is 30 days prior to the special election date.
- Mail-in ballots are NOT available for elections prior to April 28, 2020.
- Voters can apply for an absentee ballot by completing the paper application form and submitting it to your County Election Office.