By News Agencies and The Associated PressPublished On 18 May 202618 May 2026Voters are preparing to head to the polls for a primary election in Pennsylvania, an eastern US state that has served as a crucial battleground in recent national elections.Republican and Democratic candidates are facing off to represent their respective parties in the upcoming midterm elections in November, a test for United States President Donald Trump’s second term that could determine control of the US Congress for the remainder of his time in office.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listWhen is the primary? What will the voting process entail? Which races are being watched? We answer those questions and more in this brief explainer.When is the primary?Election Day is scheduled for May 19.According to state election authorities, the last day to register to vote was May 4, and the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot was May 12.What do people need to vote?The state has a closed primary system, meaning voters can cast ballots only in the primaries of their registered party.Pennsylvania does not generally require voters to present identification. However, those voting at a polling location for the first time must present a valid form of ID, such as a driver’s licence or passport.What time do polls open?Polls will open at 7am local time (11:00 GMT) and close at 8pm (midnight GMT).What positions are up for grabs, and why does this election matter?A number of races are being watched for their significance to national politics, including a gubernatorial race that could serve as a showcase for the political ambitions of incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro. Advertisement The state Democratic Party is also hoping to secure majorities in both houses of the state legislature for the first time in several decades, with the entire state House and half of th …
