If you wish to vote in next month's Democratic presidential primary, you must be registered to vote by March 24, the Allegheny County Elections Division reminded voters today.

Pennsylvania will hold its primary on April 22.

Registered voters who have moved or changed their name or party affiliation must also notify the elections division by March 24. But those who are currently registered and have not moved do not have to re-register.

In Pennsylvania, you must be registered with a political party in order to vote in that party's primary.

To qualify to vote, one must be 18 years old on or before April 22 and a United States citizen. Voters must also be a resident of the election district they wish to vote in at least 30 days prior to the primary.

Those who need to register to vote may apply in person between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. during weekdays at the Office of the Registration Commission in Room 609 of the County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Downtown.

The Elections Division will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on March 24 to accept hand-delivered voter registration forms.

Registration-by-mail forms may also be used to register or to change name, address or party affiliation. These forms are available at Armed Service Recruitment Centers, Area Agencies on Aging, as well as several branches of the U.S. Postal Service and state, county and municipal government offices.

Registration-by-mail forms must be postmarked no later than March 24 in order to be processed by the primary. A registration form may also be obtained by visiting the state's Web site.

Once the registration form is completed and returned to the elections division, approved applicants will receive a voter identification card showing municipality, ward and/or election district, and assigned polling place. The identification card may be required to be shown at the polling place.

Allegheny County residents who have questions or would like to verify their registration status should call the elections division at 412-350-4510 or visit the division's Web site.