Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB442

Introduced

3/14/25

Refer

3/14/25

Caption

Providing for election day registration; and prescribing penalties.

Impact

If enacted, SB442 will introduce significant changes to the registration process in Pennsylvania. It mandates that judges of elections oversee voter registration on election day, thereby streamlining the process and making it more accessible to those who might face obstacles in registering before election day. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of county boards in maintaining and verifying these registrations, including the requirement to send verification notices to newly registered voters following the election.

Summary

Senate Bill 442, titled the Election Day Registration Act, aims to enable eligible voters to register on the day of primary, municipal, or general elections. This legislation allows individuals to register by appearing in person at their designated polling place, completing a registration card, and providing proof of residence through various accepted methods, such as a driver's license or a sworn statement from a registered elector in the district. This step is designed to enhance voter access and increase participation in the electoral process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB442 is mixed. Proponents of the bill argue that it will facilitate easier access to voting and encourage higher turnout rates, particularly among individuals who may find it difficult to register in advance. However, there are concerns among some opponents that allowing same-day registration could lead to potential misuse or challenges regarding voter eligibility verification and could place additional burdens on election officials.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding SB442 relates to the enforcement and penalties outlined in the bill. Violations of the act, such as false registration, are classified as misdemeanors, which raises concerns about the implications for voters who may inadvertently face penalties. Critics fear that these provisions could disproportionately impact vulnerable populations or deter individuals from participating in the electoral process due to fear of legal repercussions.

Latest PA SB442 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB442

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1327

In penalties, further providing for the offense of bribery at elections and providing for the offense of payment for registration.

PA HB785

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

PA HB479

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for same-day voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications.

PA HB1061

In registration system, providing for verification of citizenship; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration; in penalties, further providing for duties under part; and, in provisions contingent on Federal law, further providing for removal of electors.

PA SB556

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for registration of firearms; and imposing penalties.

PA SB855

Further providing for duty of contractor; providing for registration of contractors and subcontractors, for registration fees, for proof of registration and for duties of contractors, subcontractors and the department; and further providing for remedies and penalties.

PA HB849

In falsification and intimidation, providing for the offense of failure to comply with child abuse offender registration requirements; in sentencing, providing for registration of child abuse offenders; and imposing penalties.

PA SB808

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for registration, for exemption from registration and reporting, for prohibited activities, for administration and for penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA SB488

In preliminary provisions relating to voter registration, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for qualifications to register and for government agencies, providing for preregistration data entry and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications; and, in changes in records, further providing for death of registrant.

PA HB981

In preliminary provisions relating to voter registration, further providing for standardized forms and for applications; and, in voter registration, further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and providing for government service facilitation.