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Bill > HB1298
PA HB1298
PA HB1298In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for date of application for mail-in ballot.
summary
Introduced
04/28/2025
04/28/2025
In Committee
04/28/2025
04/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), entitled "An act concerning elections, including general, municipal, special and primary elections, the nomination of candidates, primary and election expenses and election contests; creating and defining membership of county boards of elections; imposing duties upon the Secretary of the Commonwealth, courts, county boards of elections, county commissioners; imposing penalties for violation of the act, and codifying, revising and consolidating the laws relating thereto; and repealing certain acts and parts of acts relating to elections," in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for date of application for mail-in ballot.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Election Code by changing the deadline for submitting absentee and mail-in ballot applications from the first Tuesday before an election to the fifteenth day before an election. The bill expands opportunities for voters to apply for absentee ballots under specific circumstances, such as physical disability, work-related absence, or unexpected changes in availability. Voters who could not apply for a ballot by the fifteenth day prior to the election due to illness, business duties, or sudden disability can still submit an application up until the polls close on election day. These voters must include a declaration explaining why they could not apply earlier, and this declaration is subject to penalties for false statements. The changes aim to provide more flexibility for voters while maintaining the integrity of the election process. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving election officials and voters time to understand and implement the new rules.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (16)
Brenda Pugh (R)*,
Jill Cooper (R),
Jamie Flick (R),
Seth Grove (R),
Lee James (R),
Rob Kauffman (R),
Andrew Kuzma (R),
Milou Mackenzie (R),
Tina Pickett (R),
Jack Rader (R),
Nikki Rivera (D),
Brad Roae (R),
David Rowe (R),
Alec Ryncavage (R),
Ryan Warner (R),
Dane Watro (R),
Last Action
Referred to State Government (on 04/28/2025)
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