Harrisburg, PA (May 2025) — The Pennsylvania State House, controlled by Democrats, has passed a significant bill that introduces several changes to the state’s election laws, including provisions for early voting, mail-in ballots, and post-election audits. The bill, now headed to the Republican-controlled State Senate, promises to enhance the security and efficiency of elections in Pennsylvania.
What Happened
On Tuesday, the Democrat-led Pennsylvania State House approved House Bill 1396, a piece of legislation that makes various amendments to the state’s election procedures.
The bill aims to streamline and improve the election process by allowing counties to begin pre-canvassing mail-in ballots before Election Day and enabling voters to correct errors on their ballots.
Key Details
- Pre-Canvassing of Mail-In Ballots: The bill allows counties to process mail-in ballots ahead of Election Day, ensuring quicker results on Election Night.
- Ballot “Curing” Option: Voters can fix mistakes on their mail-in ballots, such as missing signatures on the envelope, ensuring their votes are counted.
- Early In-Person Voting: The bill introduces early in-person voting, allowing voters to cast their ballots up to 11 days before an election.
- Uniform Drop Box Standards: The bill establishes uniform standards for drop boxes across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.
- Electronic Poll Books & Post-Election Audits: Counties will be required to maintain electronic poll books and implement a standardized post-election audit process to ensure election integrity.
Reactions or Statements
Speaker of the House, Joanna McClinton, praised the bill, asserting that it would make elections in Pennsylvania “free, fair, efficient, uniform, safe, and secure.” She emphasized that the bill addresses the needs of the state’s essential election stakeholders.
In contrast, Rep. Brad Roae (R-Crawford/Erie) raised concerns about the bill, criticizing the rushed timeline for its passage.’
“This 98-page bill was rushed to prime time with only about a week elapsing from introduction to final passage by the House,” Roae stated, adding that it gave little time for stakeholders to provide feedback.
Investigation or What’s Next
The bill now moves to the Pennsylvania State Senate, where it faces an uncertain future due to the Republican majority in the chamber. If passed, the bill will overhaul the state’s election processes and could set a new precedent for how elections are conducted in Pennsylvania.
FAQs
1. What is pre-canvassing of mail-in ballots?
Pre-canvassing allows election officials to begin processing mail-in ballots before Election Day, which can expedite the counting process and provide quicker election results.
2. How does the ballot curing process work?
Ballot curing allows voters to correct any mistakes on their mail-in ballots, such as a missing signature, before their vote is disqualified.
3. Will early voting be available in all counties?
Yes, the bill allows for early in-person voting up to 11 days before the election, and this provision will be applicable in all counties.
4. What are the new requirements for drop boxes?
The bill establishes uniform standards for drop boxes across all 67 counties to ensure consistency and security.
5. How will the post-election audit process work?
The bill mandates a standardized post-election audit process, which will be implemented in all counties to ensure election integrity and accuracy.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The passage of House Bill 1396 marks a significant step toward reforming Pennsylvania’s election laws. While the bill aims to enhance security, efficiency, and fairness, it has sparked debate, particularly over its rapid passage. As it moves to the Senate, the future of the bill remains uncertain, with lawmakers divided along party lines.
