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Comprehensive Voting Rights Protection Bill to Increase Voter Access Unveiled
June, 10 2021
HARRISBURG – Following months of hearings by the House State Government Committee, House Republicans today unveiled legislation to transform and improve Pennsylvania’s election process to restore the integrity of and trust in elections.
The comprehensive Voting Rights Protection Act (House Bill 1300) introduced by House State Government Committee Chairman Seth Grove (R-York) with input from state and local election officials, election experts and various stakeholders addresses several serious fatal flaws in the Commonwealth’s Election Code.
“House Republicans have consistently paved the way to more accessible, secure and accurate elections,” Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said. “Our caucus ensured the state tracked the impacts of our evolving election law in 2019 and 2020, and today we see those efforts brought to fruition in this important and thorough legislation by Chairman Grove. Pennsylvanians must have faith in their elections and this bill is another piece of restoring the public’s trust.”
To increase voter access, the bill would allow for early in-person voting beginning in 2025; correcting non-fatal defects on mail-in ballots, such as unsigned or undated ballots, which must be completed by 8 p.m. of Election Day; and giving counties the option to use secure mail-in ballot drop boxes during specific times and at secure locations. The bill also increases access for voters with disabilities.
Throughout the 10 election hearings, State Government Committee members heard firsthand the need to improve operations at the county level so that local election offices are not overburdened. To address issues raised by local election officials, the bill would allow mail-in ballots to be counted starting five days before the election, as opposed to current law which allows the count to begin no earlier than 7 a.m. on Election Day. It would also move the last day to register to vote back to 30 days prior to an election.
“This responsible bill includes all aspects of issues brought before the committee and will propel Pennsylvania’s election into the 21st century, all while fixing fatal flaws and election security issues,” Grove said. “Pennsylvania must be a leader in secure elections, which are also accessible to all legal voters. The Voting Rights Protection Act thoughtfully achieves both initiatives while also supporting citizens’ right to vote.”
http://www.pahousegop.com/News/19912/Latest-News/Comprehensive-Voting-Rights-Protection-Bill-to-Increase-Voter-Access-Unveiled-