Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1832

Introduced
11/8/23  

Caption

In election districts and polling places, further providing for wards in cities of the first class may be created, divided, realigned, or consolidated; and making an editorial change.

Impact

The bill amends existing laws concerning elections, specifically how wards may be created, divided, or consolidated. This change aims to enhance the accuracy of representation and ensure that wards reflect current population data, as determined by the most recent Federal census. By establishing this nonpartisan commission, the bill seeks to remove political bias from the ward delineation process, potentially leading to fairer representation for all residents within these voting districts. The requirement for public hearings emphasizes the importance of community feedback in shaping electoral boundaries, thus aiming to improve democratic processes within cities.

Summary

House Bill 1832 establishes a framework for the reapportionment of electoral wards in cities of the first class in Pennsylvania. It mandates that the governing body of such cities must create a nonpartisan commission to oversee the reapportionment process, ensuring that it is carried out according to specific standards of transparency and public involvement. The bill outlines a structured process where the commission is required to hold public hearings and solicit citizen input before finalizing any proposals for ward changes, reflecting a commitment to community engagement in the electoral process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1832 appears to be largely supportive, especially among those who advocate for transparent and fair electoral processes. Proponents argue that the establishment of a nonpartisan commission will foster fairness in representation and ensure that community voices are considered in the apportionment process. However, there may be some concerns from local political entities about the implications for local control and authority, as this shifts some oversight responsibilities to a newly created commission. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the bill's intent to strengthen democracy through an inclusive approach to ward reapportionment.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the logistics of implementing the bill, particularly regarding the operational details of the nonpartisan commission. Issues could include how members of the commission are selected, the extent of their authority, and the mechanisms for contesting reapportionment decisions. Additionally, the tension between maintaining local political influence and adhering to nonpartisan practices in electoral processes could lead to debates among various political groups. As the bill progresses, these concerns will likely need to be addressed to ensure broad acceptance and effective implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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.

PA HB1158

In preliminary provisions, providing for designation of Election Day as legal holiday; and, in election districts and polling places, further providing for public buildings to be used where possible and portable polling places.

PA HB1545

In registration of vehicles, further providing for suspension of registration upon sixth unpaid parking violation in cities of the first class; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1876

Further providing for vacancies in elected offices in cities of the first class, cities of the second class, cities of the second class A and cities of the third class; in county commissioners and chief clerks, further providing for election and vacancies; and making repeals.

PA SB874

In election districts and polling places, providing for residence of incarcerated individuals.

PA SB812

In electronic voting systems, further providing for examination and approval of electronic voting systems by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for malfunction and certification reporting; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1396

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in district election officers, further providing for compensation of district election officers; in election districts and polling places, providing for ballot drop boxes; in electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies, preparation of the voting system and of polling places, providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing, repealing provisions relating to statistical sample and providing for post-election ballot audit; providing for electronic poll books and for electronic poll books and election infrastructure equipment bonds; 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 deadline for receipt of valid voter registration application; providing for in-person early voting; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot, for approval of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections; in recounts and contests, further providing for opening ballot boxes upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and deposit or bond, for recanvassing voting machines upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and for correction of returns, decision not to be final and evidence for prosecution; in penalties, further providing for interference with primaries and elections, frauds and conspiracy; making an appropriation; and making an editorial change. Amending Title 25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies and for approval of registration applications; and, in changes in records, repealing provisions relating to removal notices, to transfer of registration and to change of enrollment of political party and further providing for death of registrant.

PA SB196

Further providing for definitions; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2378

Further providing for definitions; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1036

Consolidating the First Class Township Code; and making a repeal.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.