Everything to know about Philadelphia's 2025 election
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
It's time to vote.
Why it matters: High-profile races — like a contest that could reshape Pennsylvania's Supreme Court — are flipping the script for a typically low-key off-year election, drawing the national spotlight and big-time political spending.
What's happening: If you're still undecided or haven't been paying attention, we're here to help.
Local: Philadelphia district attorney, city controller and judges are on the ballot, among others.
Statewide: Judicial retentions on the Supreme, Superior and Commonwealth courts, as well as partisan judicial races.
Meanwhile, New Jersey voters will elect a new governor.
- The competitive race has drawn massive spending as Democrats attempt to maintain their hold on the governor's mansion and fend off a strong Republican challenger.
🧠 Here are our Smart Brevity guides and links:
⚖️ Pro tip: Visit the Philadelphia Bar Association's website for its recommendations on judicial candidates.
The intrigue: Philadelphians have a poor track record for off-year elections.
- Case in point: Turnout in 2021, when the district attorney and controller were on the ballot, didn't break 22%.
⏰ When: Polls are open 7am–8pm.
✉️ Mail-in ballots: Must be submitted at the County Board of Elections offices or at an official drop box by 8pm today.
- Worth noting: Voters who applied for and received a mail-in ballot can't vote in person at a polling booth without first surrendering their ballot.
📍 Where: Find your polling place.
📱 Save this number: Voting complaints can be reported to the district attorney's election task force hotline at 215-686-9641.
- Voting issues can also be reported to the nonpartisan Election Protection's hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).