Bill > HB473

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's election code regarding absentee and mail-in ballot applications, primarily focusing on restricting who can send ballot applications to voters. The legislation prohibits private organizations or individuals (other than the Secretary of the Commonwealth) from mailing or electronically sending ballot applications to registered voters. For mail-in ballots, the bill mandates that all qualified registered electors can be placed on a permanent mail-in ballot list, with applications automatically sent by the first Monday in February each year or within 48 hours of voter registration approval. The bill also requires county boards of elections to retain copies of all physical and electronic ballot applications, and establishes that electronic ballot application systems must be able to capture the applicant's signature. Voters can now be removed from the permanent mail-in voter list upon their own request, and county boards must treat electronically submitted applications the same as paper applications. The changes aim to standardize and potentially limit third-party involvement in distributing ballot applications, with the goal of maintaining election integrity and process control. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=473