Bill > HB534

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to provide special absentee ballot accommodations for voters who are blind, visually impaired, or disabled. The legislation allows these voters to request a special absentee ballot in braille, which must be requested in writing to the county board of elections at least 45 days before an election. The request will be valid for all elections in the calendar year, and voters must still submit a standard absentee ballot application for each election. The Department of State is tasked with preparing the request forms, processing requests, and creating and distributing the special braille ballots. The department must also develop a guide explaining how to use the special absentee ballot, which will be available in print, braille, audio, and other accessible formats. The bill requires county boards to process and forward requests quickly and maintain lists of individuals requesting special ballots. Additionally, the Department of State is encouraged to expand these accessible voting services to other disabled voters as technology and resources allow. The new provisions will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, aiming to improve voting accessibility for visually impaired and disabled citizens.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=534