Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB489

Introduced
3/16/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

By amending existing provisions about absentee ballot canvassing, HB 489 is expected to tighten the timeline and procedures that govern how elections are conducted in Pennsylvania. This may lead to quicker results and reduce the likelihood of delays due to unprocessed ballots on election day. Additional funding provisions through the Election Integrity Grant Program are included, which could provide counties with resources necessary to implement these changes effectively.

Summary

House Bill 489 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code by enhancing the processes surrounding the canvassing of absentee and mail-in ballots. Specifically, it requires county boards of elections to meet for pre-canvassing procedures prior to election day, allowing them to begin this process up to a week before the election. The bill aims to streamline the election process by ensuring that all absentee and mail-in ballots received by a specified deadline are pre-canvassed, thus enhancing the efficiency of ballot counting on election day.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 489 appears to be supportive among legislators advocating for election integrity and efficiency in the electoral process. Advocates emphasize the importance of ensuring that absentee ballots are managed properly to preserve the integrity of elections. However, there may be concerns regarding how these changes could affect voters and the transparency of the canvassing process, indicating a mixed reception depending on the viewpoints of various stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 489 may arise from concerns over the pre-canvassing process and its implications for voter privacy and the overall transparency of elections. Critics may argue that while efficiency is important, the processes must not compromise public trust in the electoral system. The balance between streamlining the election process and ensuring that all electoral integrity measures are respected will likely be a central focus in discussions regarding this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB2329

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for voting by mail-in electors.

PA HB473

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

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 HB1218

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in recounts and contests, providing for independent prosecutor and for election integrity officers.

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 HB499

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, 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.

PA HB1298

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for date of application for mail-in ballot.

PA HB771

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for requirements relating to voter identification; 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, in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots.

PA SB192

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in qualifications of electors, further providing for rules for determining residence; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for qualified absentee electors and providing for voting by absentee electors in correctional institutions; and imposing duties on the Department of State.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.