Staying informed about election deadlines is crucial for every eligible voter to participate in the democratic process. With numerous dates and procedures to remember, it can feel overwhelming to keep track of everything. Fortunately, a dedicated Voter Service Portal can simplify this process, providing you with all the necessary information and tools in one convenient place. This guide outlines the critical election dates for the 2025 Primary and General Elections, emphasizing how a voter service portal can help you manage your civic duties effectively.
Key Dates for the 2025 Primary Election
The Primary Election in 2025 has a series of important deadlines that candidates and voters need to be aware of. A voter service portal is an excellent resource to monitor these dates and ensure timely action.
Candidate-Related Deadlines
For individuals aspiring to become candidates, several deadlines are set in March and June. A voter service portal might offer resources for candidates, although its primary focus is voter assistance.
- March 24 – by 4:00 p.m.: Candidate Petition Filing Deadline for Primary Election. This is the final date for candidates to submit their petitions to appear on the primary ballot.
- March 27 – by 4:00 p.m.: Deadline for Amendments to Defective Petitions for Primary Election Candidates. Candidates whose petitions have deficiencies must correct them by this date.
- March 28 – by 4:00 p.m.: Filing Deadline for Objections to Nominating Petitions for Primary Election Candidates. Objections to candidate petitions must be filed by this time.
- April 2: Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenges for Primary Election Candidates. Election officials will decide on the validity of petition challenges by this date.
Voter Registration and Party Affiliation
Voter registration and party affiliation declarations are essential steps before the primary election. A voter service portal can guide you through the registration process and help you check your party affiliation status.
- April 16: Deadline for Change of Party Affiliation Declaration Forms for Primary Election. If you wish to change your party affiliation to vote in the primary, this is the deadline to submit your form.
- May 20: Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary Election. Ensure you are registered to vote by this date to participate in the primary.
- May 20: Mandated Evening Voter Registration Available. Take advantage of extended hours for voter registration at County Commissioners of Registration offices.
Mail-In Ballot and Early Voting
Mail-in ballots and early voting options provide convenient ways to cast your vote. A voter service portal can provide information on how to apply for mail-in ballots and locate early voting sites.
- April 19: Commencement of Mailing of Mail-In Ballots for Primary Election. Mail-in ballots will start being sent out to registered voters.
- June 3: Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for Primary Election. Submit your mail-in ballot application well before this deadline.
- June 3: Deadline for Unaffiliated Voters to submit Party Affiliation Declaration for Mail-In Ballot. Unaffiliated voters wanting a mail-in ballot in the primary must declare their party affiliation by this date to receive one by mail.
- June 4: Mailing of Sample Ballots for Primary Election. Sample ballots will be mailed out to inform voters about the candidates and ballot questions.
- June 6 – June 8: Early Voting Period. Utilize the early voting period to vote in person at designated locations before Election Day.
- June 6: Deadline for Electronic Mail-In Ballot Applications for Overseas Voters. Qualified overseas voters need to apply for electronic mail-in ballots by this date.
- June 9 – by 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for Primary Election. You can apply for a mail-in ballot in person until this deadline.
- June 9 – by 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for Unaffiliated Voters to submit Party Affiliation Declaration for In-Person Mail-In Ballot. Unaffiliated voters wanting to receive a mail-in ballot in person must declare party affiliation by this deadline.
Primary Election Day and Ballot Submission Deadlines
- June 10: Primary Election Day. This is the day to vote in person at your designated polling place if you haven’t voted early or by mail.
- June 10 – by 4:00 p.m.: Candidate Petition Filing Deadline for General Election. Note that the candidate filing deadline for the General Election falls on Primary Election Day.
- June 10: Deadlines for Mail-In Ballot Receipt and Submission. Pay attention to deadlines for mail-in ballot return:
- June 10: Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots.
- June 10: Deadline for In-Person Submission of Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election and Drop Boxes.
- June 12: Deadline for Mail-In Ballots Without Postmark. Ballots received by mail without a postmark must arrive by this date.
- June 16: Deadline for Postmarked Mail-In Ballots. Postmarked mail-in ballots must be received by this date.
- June 13 – by 4:00 p.m.: Deadline for Amendments to Defective Petitions for Independent General Election Candidates.
- June 16 – by 4:00 p.m.: Filing Deadline for Objections to Nomination Petitions for Independent General Election Candidates.
- June 18: Deadline for Cure Form Receipt. If your mail-in ballot has issues, the cure form must be received by this date.
- June 19: Deadline for Determination of Petition Challenge for Independent General Election Candidates.
- June 20: Canvass of Primary Election Votes by County Clerks.
- June 27: Deadline for Secretary of State to Certify Primary Election Results.
Key Dates for the 2025 General Election
Following the Primary, the General Election also has a set of deadlines that voters need to track. Again, a voter service portal can be your central hub for this information.
Key General Election Dates
- September 20: Commencement of Mailing of Mail-In Ballots for General Election.
- October 14: Voter Registration Deadline for General Election. Register to vote by this date to participate in the General Election.
- October 14: Mandated Evening Voter Registration Available.
- October 22: Mailing of Sample Ballots for General Election.
- October 25 – November 2: Early Voting Period.
- October 28: Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election.
- October 31: Deadline for Electronic Mail-In Ballot Applications for Overseas Voters.
- November 3 – by 3:00 p.m.: Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election.
General Election Day and Ballot Submission Deadlines
- November 4: General Election Day.
- November 4: Deadlines for Mail-In Ballot Receipt and Submission for the General Election:
- November 4: Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots.
- November 4: Deadline for In-Person Submission of Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election and Drop Boxes.
- November 6: Deadline for Mail-In Ballots Without Postmark.
- November 10: Deadline for Postmarked Mail-In Ballots.
- November 15: Deadline for Cure Form Receipt.
- December 4: Deadline for Meeting of Board of State Canvassers to Certify General Election Results.
Utilize Your Voter Service Portal
Staying on top of these election dates is vital for active participation in democracy. A voter service portal simplifies this process by providing a centralized platform for all your election-related needs. From checking your registration status and requesting mail-in ballots to finding early voting locations and verifying deadlines, your voter service portal is your go-to resource for the 2025 elections. Make sure to utilize these tools and resources to ensure your voice is heard.
