Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB830

Introduced
4/4/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed changes, if enacted, would significantly impact the residency qualifications for electors as outlined in the Pennsylvania Election Code. By allowing these individuals the ability to register and vote from within the prison system, the bill marks a shift towards inclusivity in the electoral process for populations traditionally marginalized in voting discussions. This could lead to a broader reevaluation of voting rights for incarcerated persons across the state, encouraging other jurisdictions to consider similar measures.

Summary

House Bill 830 aims to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code to enhance the accessibility of voting for individuals who are incarcerated in county prisons. The bill requires county boards of elections in first-class counties to provide additional polling places at these prisons for individuals registering to vote while residing there. This provision is intended to ensure that those awaiting trial, sentenced for misdemeanors, or serving sentences for summary offenses maintain their voting rights and can participate in the electoral process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 830 appears to be generally positive among its sponsors and advocates, who argue that it is a necessary step towards upholding democratic values and ensuring that all citizens, irrespective of their incarceration status, have access to their voting rights. House members supporting the bill express a commitment to equity in the electoral process. However, there may be some opposition from those who view the bill as controversial, with concerns that it allows individuals who have committed crimes to play a role in shaping laws that govern society.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of such measures—critics may argue that individuals who are incarcerated should not be facilitated in participating in elections, particularly if they have not yet been convicted. Additionally, practical concerns regarding how to effectively manage polling places within prisons, and the potential implications for public perception and trust in electoral integrity, may emerge as subjects of debate as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

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 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.

PA HB1756

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.

PA SB1256

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.

PA SB99

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 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 HB1235

In electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies and preparation of the voting system and of polling places and providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing.

PA SB400

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in qualifications of electors, further providing for qualifications of electors at primaries; in party organization, further providing for only enrolled electors to vote at primaries or hold party offices; in nomination of candidates, further providing for candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected at primaries and providing for procedure for unenrolled electors to cast primary ballots; and, 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.

PA SB400

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in qualifications of electors, further providing for qualifications of electors at primaries; in party organization, further providing for only enrolled electors to vote at primaries or hold party offices; in nomination of candidates, further providing for candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected at primaries and providing for procedure for unenrolled electors to cast primary ballots; and, 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.

PA HB847

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.