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PA HB1487

PA HB1487
In election districts and polling places, further providing for polling places to be selected by county board; and, in qualifications of electors, further providing for residence of electors.


summary

Introduced
05/21/2025
In Committee
05/21/2025
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 election districts and polling places, further providing for polling places to be selected by county board; and, in qualifications of electors, further providing for residence of electors.

AI Summary

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify and expand voting residence rules and polling place provisions, specifically for first-class counties (which includes Philadelphia). The bill adds a requirement for county election boards in first-class counties to provide an additional polling place in the county prison for individuals registering their residence there. It also revises the definition of voter residence by detailing specific circumstances that do not cause a person to gain or lose voting residency, such as being employed in state or federal service, being a student, or being in a public institution. Notably, the bill creates new provisions allowing individuals incarcerated in a first-class county prison who are awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving a misdemeanor or summary offense to either use the prison as their voting residence or vote via absentee ballot. This change aims to clarify voting rights for incarcerated individuals and ensure they have meaningful opportunities to participate in elections. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing time for election officials to implement the new requirements.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (12)

Last Action

Referred to State Government (on 05/21/2025)

bill text


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