Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB401

Introduced
3/15/23  

Caption

Providing for voting by all-mail; and, in penalties, further providing for violations of provisions relating to absentee and mail-in ballots.

Impact

The implementation of SB401 will impact various aspects of state law regarding elections, fundamentally changing how ballots are cast and counted. It mandates that county election boards start mailing official ballots to all registered electors within specified timelines, ensuring they receive their ballots in a nonforwardable manner. Furthermore, counties will need to ensure sufficient official ballot drop sites are established, contributing to a more secure and efficient ballot collection process. The bill aims to streamline the election process while enhancing security features surrounding ballot handling, thereby potentially building greater public trust in the electoral system.

Summary

Senate Bill 401 introduces substantial changes to the election process in Pennsylvania by implementing all-mail voting for elections occurring after November 3, 2023. Under this bill, all voting will be conducted solely through mail-in and absentee ballots, significantly altering the traditional in-person voting method. This shift is designed to increase voter participation by making the voting process more accessible to electors who may have difficulties attending polling places, such as the elderly or persons with disabilities. The bill outlines a cohesive structure for mailing ballots to registered voters and establishes processes for handling returned ballots, including specific procedures during primary elections.

Sentiment

The general sentiment toward SB401 appears to be mixed, reflecting a significant divide among stakeholders. Supporters argue that this transition to mail-in voting is a progressive step that will address barriers to voting, increase participation, and adapt to changing voter preferences. Conversely, critics raise concerns about the security and integrity of mail-in voting, fearing potential fraud and the challenges associated with verifying ballot authenticity. Heightened anxieties surrounding election security and mail-in voting methods have emerged, emphasizing the need for robust measures to safeguard elections and assure voters of their efficacy.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB401 involve debates over election integrity and accessibility. While proponents highlighted the bill's potential to empower voters, opponents voiced skepticism about the implications for election security, particularly related to the handling and counting of mail-in ballots. Issues regarding accountability in ballot processing and the risk of disenfranchising voters who prefer traditional voting methods were central to discussions. Overall, the discussions surrounding SB401 underscore larger, ongoing conversations about the future of voting in Pennsylvania and across the United States.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB857

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

PA SB1038

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for what ballots shall be counted and manner of counting and defective ballots; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for approval of application for absentee ballot, for absentee and mail-in electors files and lists, for official absentee voters ballots, for envelopes for official absentee ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots and providing for violation of provisions relating to absentee voting; 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 and for approval of application for mail-in ballot, providing for mail-in electors' files and lists, further providing for official mail-in elector ballots, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors and providing for violation of provisions relating to mail-in voting.

PA HB271

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

PA HB473

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

PA HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector 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 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 HB490

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

PA HB1396

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in district election officers, further providing for compensation of district election officers; in election districts and polling places, providing for ballot drop boxes; in electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies, preparation of the voting system and of polling places, providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing, repealing provisions relating to statistical sample and providing for post-election ballot audit; providing for electronic poll books and for electronic poll books and election infrastructure equipment bonds; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for deadline for receipt of valid voter registration application; providing for in-person early voting; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot, for approval of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors; 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; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections; in recounts and contests, further providing for opening ballot boxes upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and deposit or bond, for recanvassing voting machines upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and for correction of returns, decision not to be final and evidence for prosecution; in penalties, further providing for interference with primaries and elections, frauds and conspiracy; making an appropriation; and making an editorial change.

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