Upcoming Pa. Election 2025: Crucial Facts to Consider Before Casting Your Ballot
Judge Alice Beck Dubow, a Democrat, is seeking retention for a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Meanwhile, two candidates, Brandon Neuman (D) and Maria Battista (R), are running to fill another vacancy on the court [1].
In Pennsylvania, the Municipal Court of Philadelphia is a court of record with 27 judges across three divisions: criminal, civil, and traffic. The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, on the other hand, has 101 judges across three divisions: trial, family, and orphans' [1].
Voting Dates and Deadlines
The primary municipal election in Pennsylvania is scheduled for May 20, 2025. However, the most significant elections and general election ballot access will be on November 4, 2025 [3][5].
For those who choose to vote by mail, counties are providing secure drop-box locations for ballots. Here are some key deadlines to remember:
- Voter registration: Registration must be completed 30 days prior to Election Day, which means it likely closes around early October 2025. Exact dates may vary, so it's best to check with your county elections office or the Pennsylvania Department of State resources as the election approaches.
- Application for mail-in or absentee ballots: Voters may request mail-in or absentee ballots up until 5 days before Election Day. However, submitting the application earlier is recommended to allow ballot processing.
- Return of mail-in or absentee ballots: Completed ballots must be received by your county elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots can be returned by mail, in person to the county elections office, or via drop boxes if available locally [1].
- In-person early voting (on-demand mail ballot voting): Registered voters can vote early in person by requesting, receiving, and submitting their ballot at a county elections office or designated location. This is available once ballots are ready and continues until 5 p.m. the Tuesday before Election Day [1].
- Election date: Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
Voting Options
Voters who receive absentee or mail ballots can opt to vote in person on Election Day. To do so, voters must bring their ballots and the pre-addressed outer return envelopes to be voided [1].
Pennsylvanians who would prefer to vote in person can do so in person on Election Day at the polls. Voters who request a mail ballot but don't receive it, or don't have it to surrender, may vote by provisional ballot at their polling places [1].
Provisional ballots will be reviewed by the county board of elections post-Election Day to determine whether they will be counted. Voters with disabilities can designate someone else to return their mail ballot [1].
Other Races
In addition to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, another partisan election is taking place to fill the vacancy left by Ellen Ceisler on the Commonwealth Court. Candidates Stella Tsai (D) and Matt Wolford (R) are running in this election [1].
Judges and justices serving on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas all serve 10-year terms [1].
Remember, for the most precise deadlines, voters should check with their county elections office or the Pennsylvania Department of State resources as the election approaches. Voters can also check the status of their mail ballots online [1].
Engage in the upcoming general election on November 4, 2025, where the Pennsylvania Superior Court vacancy will be filled, with candidates Brandon Neuman (D) and Maria Battista (R) among the contenders. Simultaneously, the Commonwealth Court election will see Stella Tsai (D) and Matt Wolford (R) vying for the seat left vacant by Ellen Ceisler.
