Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1178

Introduced
8/8/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The introduction of ranked choice voting could significantly alter how municipal elections are conducted across Pennsylvania. Proponents argue that this system may lead to more representative outcomes by allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference, reducing the likelihood of vote-splitting among similar candidates. Furthermore, the ranked choice process aims to ensure that elected officials have broader support within their constituencies, as they must not only appeal to a majority but also consider the wider electorate in their campaign strategies. The bill also requires county election boards to adapt their methods for counting votes and reporting results based on this new system.

Summary

House Bill 1178 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code to include provisions for ranked choice voting in municipal elections. This bill allows governing bodies of various municipalities to adopt ranked choice voting methods through ordinances or ballot initiatives, aiming to enhance voter choice and engagement during elections. The bill stipulates that the adoption of ranked choice voting must be enacted at least 180 days prior to an election where it will be utilized, ensuring municipalities have adequate time to prepare for the transition.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1178 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, who believe that ranked choice voting can lead to better governance and a more engaged voter base. However, there are concerns regarding the complexity of implementing this system, particularly for municipalities with limited resources or experience in election management. Critics may argue that the shift could create confusion among voters, especially those unfamiliar with the ranked choice format, leading to increased requests for educational resources.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises from the changes imposed by HB 1178 on how votes are counted and the procedural requirements for county election boards. Some legislators and election officials may express apprehension about their capacity to effectively transition to a ranked choice voting system, fearing that it may complicate existing processes or lead to discrepancies in how results are reported. These challenges could garner pushback from those advocating for simpler, traditional voting systems, emphasizing the need for thorough training and public outreach to facilitate a smooth implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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.

PA HB1207

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for explanation of ballot question and providing for wording of ballot question; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for elections on proposed constitutional amendments; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot; in voting machines, further providing for form of ballot labels on voting machines; and, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for publishing constitutional amendments.

PA HB280

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in qualifications of electors, furth er providing for qualifications of electors at primaries; in party organization, further providing for only enrolled electors to vote at primaries or hold party offices; in nomination of candidates, further providing for candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected at primaries and providing for procedure for unenrolled electors to cast primary ballots; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; and, in penalties, further providing for election officers refusing to permit elector to vote in proper party at primaries and repealing provisions relating to elector voting ballot of wrong party at primary.

PA SB400

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in qualifications of electors, furth er providing for qualifications of electors at primaries; in party organization, further providing for only enrolled electors to vote at primaries or hold party offices; in nomination of candidates, further providing for candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected at primaries and providing for procedure for unenrolled electors to cast primary ballots; and, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges.

PA SB599

In county boards of elections, further providing for expenses of county boards and of primaries and elections to be paid by county, expenses of special elections and boards to be provided with offices; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot and for voting by absentee electors; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for voting by mail-in electors.

PA HB735

In nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; in voting machines, further providing for demonstration of voting machines; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.

PA HB267

In preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for assistance in voting.

PA HB37

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

PA HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

PA SB332

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for general primary and candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.