PENNSYLVANIA — Many schools across Pennsylvania are expected to close next week as voters head to the polls for the state’s 2026 primary election on Tuesday, May 19.
Pennsylvania’s primary election will determine which candidates advance to the Nov. 3 general election ballot in races for governor, lieutenant governor, Congress, the state House and portions of the state Senate, along with numerous local contests. Polls across the commonwealth will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Because many Pennsylvania schools serve as polling locations, districts throughout the state traditionally cancel classes on primary election days or transition students to remote instruction. School officials say the closures help reduce traffic and improve security while voters use school buildings as polling places.
Some districts, including the School District of Philadelphia, have already built Election Day closures into their academic calendars. Philadelphia schools are scheduled to be closed for students and staff on May 19 for Election Day.
School leaders across Pennsylvania are encouraging parents and students to check with their local districts for specific information regarding closures, schedule changes, remote learning plans and extracurricular activities tied to next week’s election.
Pennsylvania uses a closed primary system, meaning registered Democrats and Republicans may only vote in their own party’s primary contests.
