Allegheny County’s Special Elections are Tuesday, April 5

Special elections have been ordered for Pennsylvania’s 19^th and 24^th legislative districts following the resignations of former State Representatives Ed Gainey (who is now Pittsburgh’s mayor) and Jake Wheatley (who is Gainey’s chief of staff).

Important dates:

• March 21 at 5 p.m.: Last day to register for the special elections
• March 29 at 5 p.m.: Last day to apply for an absentee or mail-In ballot
• April 5: Election Day. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  
  • Absentee and mail-in ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. 

Who can vote in the special elections?

Only voters in the 19th district’s 86 precincts and the 24th district’s 90 precincts can vote in their district's respective special election. Most precincts are within the city of Pittsburgh, but some are in the Wilkinsburg borough.

How do I register?

The registration deadline has passed. Check to see if you’re registered through the state’s voter registration portal.  

Can I vote with an absentee or mail-in ballot?

Yes. All registered voters can request a no-excuse mail-in ballot. Absentee ballots are available for people who are out of town on Election Day or who have an illness or disability that prevents them from going to the polls.

Use the state’s voter services portal to request either type of ballot, or download and print an absentee or mail-in ballot application from the Allegheny County Elections Division. Completed applications must be sent to the election division’s office at 542 Forbes Avenue, Room 609, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 by March 29 at 5 p.m.

Both types of ballots must be returned to the elections division by April 5 at 8 p.m.

When are the special elections?

Tuesday, April 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you know your ward and district, download Allegheny County’s special election poll spreadsheet to find out where to cast a ballot. Or enter your address into the state’s voter information portal to find your ward or district.

Visit our Pennsylvania election guide to learn more about how to vote and deadlines for upcoming elections.