PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1937

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1937

Introduced
1/2/24  

Caption

In voter registration, further providing for residence of electors; and, in uniform military and overseas voters, further providing for definitions.

Impact

This bill impacts various state laws associated with voter registration and residency. It introduces specific rules on how temporary absence from one's home due to employment, military service, or other circumstances does not equate to losing one's residence for voting purposes. Additionally, it revises the definition of 'overseas voter' to ensure that citizens born outside the U.S. but maintaining connections to Pennsylvania can be recognized and allowed to register and vote without penalty of losing residence. This modification is significant as it broadens the eligibility of voters who find themselves outside the state.

Summary

House Bill 1937 aims to amend Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing on the residence of electors for the purposes of voter registration. The bill seeks to clarify how an individual's residence is determined, particularly for those in service to the Commonwealth or the United States, as well as for overseas voters. It proposes changes that will allow individuals in military or federal employment and their families to retain their voter registration status, reflecting a commitment to facilitate participation from these communities in Pennsylvania’s electoral processes.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1937 is expected to be positive, as it addresses the rights of military personnel and overseas citizens, promoting greater inclusivity in the electoral process. Stakeholders who advocate for military families and overseas voters likely view this bill as a critical step toward ensuring that these groups are not disenfranchised. However, there may be some opposition from those who raise concerns about the implications of voter registration and potential for abuse, prompting discussions on maintaining electoral integrity.

Contention

Notable points of contention might arise regarding the bill's approach to defining residency and the implications for those who are registered in multiple states. The potential for confusion or overlap in registrations may lead to discussions about how to prevent fraud while accommodating the needs of citizens affected by employment or military service obligations. Additionally, definitions and enforcement regarding who qualifies as an 'overseas voter' could spark debate about how to balance accessibility with the need for secure and verifiable voting processes.

Latest PA HB1937 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB1937

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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 HB2629

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 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 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.

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