Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2657

Introduced
10/28/24  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB 2657 would make significant alterations to current election laws, particularly concerning how ballots are distributed and managed during elections. It is anticipated that the bill would simplify and clarify existing regulations, benefiting both election officials and voters. Furthermore, it could lead to improved compliance with state and federal election standards, potentially decreasing administrative errors and facilitating smoother election procedures.

Summary

House Bill 2657 addresses the process of ballot access and imposes specific duties on the Department of State. The bill is designed to streamline the election process by establishing clearer guidelines for how ballots should be accessed by voters, aiming to improve overall voter engagement and participation in elections. By enhancing the operational responsibilities of the Department of State, the bill seeks to ensure that elections are conducted more efficiently and transparently, thereby fostering public trust in the electoral system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2657 reflects a general bipartisan agreement on the need for improved ballot access, although concerns were raised regarding the specific provisions and responsibilities assigned to the Department of State. Proponents believe the bill is a step in the right direction for enhancing democratic participation, while some critics argue that additional scrutiny is needed to ensure that changes do not inadvertently create new barriers to voting.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance of responsibilities assigned to the Department of State. Some stakeholders express concern that the added duties could stretch the department's resources and capabilities, potentially leading to ineffective implementation. Additionally, there has been debate on whether the measures in the bill will adequately protect voter rights or if they may inadvertently hinder access for certain populations. The discussion emphasizes the need for careful consideration of how these regulatory changes will unfold in practice.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB115

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 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 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 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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.