BillTrack50 logo
Free Signup Login
Bill

Bill > HB123

PA HB123

PA HB123
In county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in datesof elections and primaries and special elections, providing for authorization of ranked choice voting in municipal elections; in nomination of candidates, further providing for which candidates nominated; in ballots, further providing for form of official primary ballot; in electronic voting systems, further providing for election day procedures and the process of voting; in preparation for and condu

summary

Introduced
11/06/2025
In Committee
11/06/2025
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 county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, providing for authorization of ranked choice voting in municipal elections; in nomination of candidates, further providing for which candidates nominated; in ballots, further providing for form of official primary ballot; in electronic voting systems, further providing for election day procedures and the process of voting; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for method of marking ballots and depositing same in districts in which ballots are used and for count and return of votes in districts in which ballots are used; and, in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for persons receiving highest number of votes to be declared elected.

AI Summary

This bill introduces a comprehensive framework for implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) in municipal elections across Pennsylvania, allowing local governments to opt into this alternative voting method. Under this legislation, counties, cities, boroughs, townships, and other municipalities can authorize ranked choice voting through an ordinance, resolution, or ballot initiative at least 180 days before an election. The bill provides detailed guidelines for how ranked choice voting would work, including how voters mark ballots (ranking candidates from 1 to their preferred number), how votes are tabulated through sequential elimination rounds, and how winners are determined. In a ranked choice voting election, voters can rank multiple candidates instead of selecting just one, and if their first-choice candidate is eliminated, their vote transfers to their next-ranked candidate. The bill also requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to create rules and guidance for implementing RCV, including requirements for publishing preliminary and final election results. Key modifications are made to existing election laws to accommodate this new voting method, ensuring that ballots, vote counting procedures, and election certifications can properly handle ranked choice voting. The changes will take effect 180 days after the bill's enactment, giving local jurisdictions time to prepare for potential implementation.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Referred to State Government (on 11/06/2025)

bill text

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...