Philadelphia Turnout Reaches Roughly 45% in November Vote

Election officials estimate nearly 500,000 Philadelphians cast ballots, well above the city's 22% primary turnout.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections

Flat-color editorial illustration of a red-brick civic building with a single flagpole and flag against a pale sky, evoking municipal voting. — Philadelphia election officials estimate nearly 500,000 residents cast ballots in November, roughly 45% turnout, after processing ended at the Northeast Philadelphia Elections Warehouse. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ballot processing has ended at Philadelphia's Elections Warehouse in Northeast Philadelphia, and City Commissioners Chairman Omar Sabir estimated turnout at around 45%, or just under 500,000 people. That is above the 22% primary turnout and slightly below the 2018 midterm election.

Why it matters

The turnout gap between the primary and the general election highlights how much participation varies by contest, a pattern that shapes who ultimately holds local office in the city. Officials are now looking at ways to lift participation before the next election in six months.

Officials estimate Philadelphia turnout at about 45%, or just under 500,000 voters, compared with 22% in the primary. Roughly 25,000 residents who requested mail-in ballots have not returned them, so the final figure may still shift.

The players

Omar Sabir

Omar Sabir is chairman of the Philadelphia City Commissioners, the body that oversees city elections and reported the turnout estimate.

The details

Philadelphia City Commissioners Chairman Omar Sabir provided the turnout estimate after ballot processing ended at the Elections Warehouse in Northeast Philadelphia. Officials are exploring follow-up systems for outstanding mail-in ballots and partnerships with community organizations to help residents get to the polls.

November 4, 2026: Election day, with turnout estimates released afterward.
Six months after the election: Next Philadelphia election officials are preparing for.

Seasonal Patterns

Philadelphia's roughly 45% general election turnout is about double its 22% primary figure, a gap that reflects how participation in the city swings between contests. The estimate also sits just below the 2018 midterm turnout, placing this vote within the city's recent historical range.

Residents who requested mail-in ballots but have not returned them can still affect the final count, so returning them matters. Officials are also considering transportation support for voters who need help getting to polling places.

The takeaway

Turnout in Philadelphia rises sharply from primary to general elections, so voters who skip the primary still have a major voice in November. Returning mail-in ballots promptly helps ensure your vote is counted.

What happens next

Philadelphia election officials are preparing for the next election, expected in six months, and are exploring ways to increase participation before then.