Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB490

Introduced
3/16/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The bill's primary impact would be on the procedures related to absentee and mail-in voting within Pennsylvania, aiming to enhance the verification processes for ballots. By instituting a clearer framework for the canvassing of absentee ballots, the bill could potentially influence voting outcomes. It may also lead to reduced numbers of valid ballots being counted, should there be discrepancies in voter identification that are not resolved within the stipulated time frame.

Summary

House Bill 490 aims to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code specifically concerning the canvassing of absentee ballots and mail-in ballots. This legislative proposal stipulates that absentee ballots must be received by the county election board by 8 P.M. on election day to be canvassed. Additionally, it outlines the process of comparing voters' signatures on ballots with those in official files to ensure voter identification and eligibility, thereby tightening the requirements around absentee voting.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 490 appears to be mixed among legislators and stakeholders. Proponents argue that these changes bolster election integrity and voter identification, ultimately safeguarding the democratic process. Critics, however, express concern that the measures could create unnecessary barriers to voting, particularly for marginalized groups who may have difficulties with the identification processes or may not receive their ballots on time.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounds the requirement for voters to verify their identities, with concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of voters who may fail to meet these new demands. The direct notifications to voters regarding mismatched signatures also raise eyebrows, as they introduce a tighter timeline for rectifying issues. There is ongoing debate as to whether these measures enhance the election process or impose undue restrictions on voters' rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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 HB534

In voting by qualified absentee electors, providing for absentee ballots for electors who are blind, visually impaired or disabled.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.