Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB115

Introduced
1/14/25  

Caption

Providing for ballot access; and imposing duties on the Department of State.

Impact

The introduction of HB 115 could significantly impact election procedures by establishing standardized fees for nomination petitions that candidates must pay to appear on ballots. The bill stipulates specific deadlines for these submissions, further clarifying the timeline for candidates and election officials. Additionally, the bill enforces a non-refund policy for the filing fees paid, emphasizing the commitment of candidates to follow through with their campaigns once fees are submitted. This could result in better resource management for election administrations and anticipated improvements in candidate compliance with filing requirements.

Summary

House Bill 115, known as the Ballot Access Improvement Act, aims to streamline the process for candidates to gain access to ballots in Pennsylvania. The bill outlines clear requirements for candidates to submit nomination petitions and pay associated filing fees to the Department of State or local county boards of elections. The bill specifies the offices affected, including positions at various levels such as local, state, and federal offices, including the presidency, congressional seats, and statewide judgeships. This legislation reflects a move to enhance the efficiency of the election process while specifying the responsibilities of county boards and the Department of State.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB 115 appears to be generally positive among its supporters, who argue that it simplifies the electoral process and reduces barriers for candidates seeking to run for office. However, there may be dissent from those concerned about the potential financial burden placed on candidates, particularly in lower-stakes local elections where the fees could be viewed as onerous. Advocacy groups that focus on electoral reform are likely to scrutinize the implications of such fees and timelines, especially if they perceive them as barriers to entry for less-funded candidates.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 115 may arise from discussions about the appropriateness of the filing fees, which could disproportionately affect candidates from lower-income backgrounds. While the intention behind streamlining the filing process is commendable, opponents may highlight that high fees could deter diverse candidates, challenging the notion of equitable access to the electoral process. Furthermore, the effectiveness of such regulations will need to be monitored to ensure they do not inadvertently lead to exclusionary practices in candidate registration.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2657

Providing for ballot access; and imposing duties on the Department of State.

PA SB1013

In ballots, further providing for form of official primary ballot and for form of official election ballot.

PA HB2520

Providing for nonbanking games; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2551

Providing for nonbanking poker games; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1270

In nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.

PA HB1140

Providing for access to contraceptives; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1830

In election districts and polling places, further providing for equipment and arrangement of polling places, guard rail and number of voting compartments or voting machines; in nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; and, in ballots, further providing for form of official primary ballot.

PA HB1332

In provisions relating to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for explanation of ballot question; and, in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot.

PA HB1831

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for special elections for Senator and Representative in the General Assembly, for special elections for members of councils or legislative bodies of cities, boroughs, towns and townships and for nominations for special election for Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships and providing for special election for Senator or Representative in General Assembly or member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships and for fines imposed for certain resignations and establishing the Special Election Fund; in nomination of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries, providing for secure online signature collection for Federal, State and municipal political offices and further providing for nominations by political bodies, for limitations on eligibility of candidates, for contents of nomination papers, restriction on names and campaign finances and for filing fee; in voting machines, further providing for requirements of voting machines; in electronic voting systems, further providing for requirements of electronic voting systems and for forms; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, repealing provisions relating to qualified mail-in electors, providing for automatic issuance of mail-in ballots, repealing provisions relating to applications for official mail-in ballots, to date of application for mail-in ballot and to approval of application for mail-in ballot and further providing for delivering or mailing ballots, for voting by mail-in electors and for public records; in primary and election expenses, further providing for authorization of political committee and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons; and imposing penalties.

PA HB458

Providing for a Constitutional Convention with limited powers, for a referendum on the question and for the selection, nomination and election of delegates; defining the powers, duties and operation of the Constitutional Convention; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, officers of the General Assembly and county boards of elections; providing for a referendum on the Constitutional Convention's report; imposing a penalty; and making an appropriation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.