Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2061

Introduced
2/23/24  

Caption

In ballots, providing for number of emergency ballots to be printed.

Impact

The legislative intent behind HB2061 is to solidify voting procedures and enhance the reliability of the electoral process. By requiring jurisdictions to prepare emergency ballots in advance, the bill aims to mitigate potential disruptions during elections caused by malfunctioning voting machines. This change is significant as it directly impacts the operational readiness of election officials and can enhance voter confidence in the election process.

Summary

House Bill 2061 proposes amendments to the Pennsylvania Election Code to enhance the provisions surrounding emergency ballots. Specifically, the bill mandates that counties utilizing electronic voting systems must print a number of emergency ballots equal to the ballot requirements for each election district. This is intended to ensure that voters can still cast their ballots in scenarios where electronic systems fail, providing a fallback that promotes uninterrupted access to voting.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB2061 appears to be supportive among legislators who prioritize voting accessibility and election integrity. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary safeguard to protect voters' rights and ensure that technical issues do not disenfranchise citizens. However, there may also be concerns regarding the costs associated with printing additional ballots and the logistics of managing both electronic and paper voting options during elections.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the practicality and feasibility of implementing such requirements, particularly regarding funding and operational execution during election periods. Detractors could argue that the focus should instead be on ensuring the reliability of electronic voting systems themselves, rather than relying on an auxiliary solution like emergency ballots. Furthermore, there could be discussions about the potential for confusion among voters regarding the use of different voting methods.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB735

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; in voting machines, further providing for demonstration of voting machines; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.

PA HB499

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

PA HB282

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

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.

PA SB1013

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

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 SB250

In ballots, providing for antifraud ballot paper, vendor certification and antifraud measures.

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 HB490

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots.

PA SB690

In ballots, providing for antifraud ballot paper, vendor certification and antifraud measures.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.