Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1827

Introduced
11/8/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The legislation would remove obstacles for individuals looking to register to vote, particularly younger voters and those who may have faced challenges in prior registration processes. By implementing same-day registration, the bill is expected to increase voter participation by making the electoral process more accessible. Furthermore, prohibiting the rejection of ballots based solely on signature analysis is aimed at reducing instances of ballot disqualification based on technicalities, safeguarding the voting rights of citizens.

Summary

House Bill 1827 aims to amend several provisions of Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding voter registration and voting procedures. Key changes proposed include the introduction of same-day voter registration, allowing eligible individuals to register and vote on the same day as an election. Additionally, the bill encompasses enhancements to the SURE (Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors) system, ensuring it is electronically integrated across all commissions, and addresses the preregistration process for individuals as young as 16, allowing them to prepare for registration before they reach voting age.

Sentiment

The response to HB 1827 appears to be mixed, as supporters laud the bill for increasing accessibility and promoting civic engagement, while opponents express concerns regarding the potential for increased electoral fraud and the implications of more lenient registration procedures. Nevertheless, proponents argue that the changes align with modernizing voting systems and providing more inclusive access for all eligible voters in Pennsylvania.

Contention

A notable point of contention within discussions around the bill is the provision to disallow rejection based solely on signature analysis which has raised concerns about the integrity of the voting process among some legislators. Additionally, debates surrounding the effectiveness of same-day voter registration and preregistration highlight larger discussions about balancing accessibility and security in the election process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB904

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 HB1758

In registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for public information lists; and, in changes in records, further providing for removal notices, for transfer of registration and for death of registrant.

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.

PA HB1757

In voter registration, further providing for qualifications to register, for government agencies and for preparation and distribution of applications; and, in voting procedures, further providing for application for absentee ballots.

Similar Bills

CA AB773

Voter education: high school pupils.

CA SB299

Voter registration: California New Motor Voter Program.

CA AB796

Voter registration: California New Motor Voter Program.

CA SCR48

High School Voter Education Weeks.

CA AB1407

California New Motor Voter Program: voter registration.

PA SB904

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 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.

NV SB216

Establishes provisions relating to elections. (BDR 24-364)