HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved legislation on Wednesday that would permit the early processing of mail and absentee ballots. The legislation, known as House Bill 847, successfully passed with a narrow vote of 102-99, signaling a significant step toward addressing administrative challenges faced during elections.
Introduced by State Representative Scott Conklin (D-Centre), H.B. 847 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code to allow for pre-canvassing of official absentee and mail-in ballots up to seven days before an election. This procedure includes inspecting, opening, and counting the ballots without reporting or publishing the results until after polls close on Election Day.
Conklin stressed the importance of this legislative change, noting the dramatic increase in mail and absentee voting since its expansion five years ago. While this shift has resulted in higher voter participation, it has also led to logistical hurdles for county election workers, who have struggled under the current law that restricts the start of ballot processing to 7 a.m. on Election Day.
“Free and fair elections are at the very heart of our democracy, but ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently requires vigilance – and sometimes action – on our part when changing circumstances demand it,” Conklin said. He further highlighted the broader implications of these administrative bottlenecks, including delayed vote counts and the potential for fostering voter mistrust and unfounded conspiracy theories.
The bill’s passage in the House represents a bipartisan effort to address what Conklin describes as a “logistical issue” rather than a partisan dispute. The goal is to streamline the vote-counting process and restore confidence in the electoral system by ensuring timely and efficient tabulation of votes.
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania has expressed strong support for the bill, identifying the expanded ability to pre-canvass mail-in and absentee ballots as a critical need, particularly in anticipation of the 2024 presidential election. The association views this legislative adjustment as essential for coping with the expected surge in mail voting and avoiding the challenges experienced in previous elections.
H.B. 847’s approval by the House marks a crucial development in Pennsylvania’s ongoing efforts to refine its election infrastructure. The bill now advances to the state Senate for further consideration, where it faces the next hurdle in becoming law. If enacted, this legislation could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges, showcasing a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.
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