Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB471

Introduced
3/14/23  

Caption

In voter registration, further providing for application with driver's license application.

Impact

The passage of SB 471 would enhance the voter registration process in Pennsylvania by integrating it more closely with the procedure for obtaining a driver's license. By ensuring that young individuals who reach voting age receive notification and resources regarding their voter registration, the bill aims to increase participation among new voters. This legislative change could lead to more youth engagement in elections, helping to address historically low registration rates among younger demographics.

Summary

Senate Bill 471 aims to amend Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding voter registration procedures. This bill primarily focuses on how individuals can register to vote in conjunction with their driver's license application. It proposes a systematic approach to keep track of individuals who are ineligible to register due to not meeting the minimum age requirement. Specifically, the bill outlines that the Department of State must maintain records of those who fail to qualify based on age and provide them with voter registration materials when they turn 18 years old.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 471 appears to be generally positive, particularly among proponents who see it as a step toward strengthening democratic participation among young voters. Advocates emphasize the importance of making voter registration more accessible and seamless for individuals transitioning into adulthood. However, there may be concerns from critics about how the implementation of this bill could affect the existing processes or whether it effectively addresses all barriers young voters face.

Contention

While there are no overtly contentious points mentioned within the initial discussions about SB 471, some legislative members may raise questions regarding the administrative feasibility of tracking ineligible individuals and ensuring timely follow-ups as they reach voting age. Additionally, discussions may emerge about broader implications on voter accessibility and if further support measures are necessary to complement the enhancements proposed in this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB445

In voter registration, further providing for application with driver's license application.

PA HB2058

In voter registration, further providing for application with driver's license application and for preparation and distribution of applications.

PA HB1771

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for automatic voter registration and for time and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and making a repeal.

PA SB40

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities and for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for Commonwealth agencies and other entities and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and providing for privacy and security standards for voter registration in this Commonwealth.

PA HB1827

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, for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies, providing for same-day voter registration and for preregistration data entry and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications; in changes in records, further providing for death of registrant; in voting procedures, providing for prohibition of rejecting ballots based solely on signature analysis; making a repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2701

In registration system, further providing for commission staff; in voter registration, further providing for residence of electors, for in-person voter registration, for application with driver's license application, for application by mail, for government agencies, for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for district registers; in changes in records, repealing provisions relating to change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for preventing registration and for approval of registration.

PA HB128

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 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 HB1703

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration, for electronic submission of changes to registration and for time 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.