Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB735

Introduced
2/25/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The effects of HB 735 on state election laws are significant. The bill would amend the Pennsylvania Election Code, specifically addressing how candidates' names are arranged on ballots during elections. The proposed randomization study would evaluate the feasibility of implementing a precinct rotation system for listing candidates, thereby encouraging a more democratic process. Critics argue that while the intention may be noble, the execution could lead to confusion for voters unaccustomed to seeing candidates listed in varying orders from one election to another.

Summary

House Bill 735 aims to amend existing laws related to the nomination of candidates, specifically focusing on the order in which candidates' names appear on ballots for primary elections. By mandating that names be listed in a rotational order based on the number of registered voters in each county, the bill seeks to improve fairness in elections by minimizing any advantages that may arise from a fixed ballot order. This change targets both primary and general elections, ensuring that candidate visibility is equitable across counties.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 735 appears to be mixed. Supporters of the bill believe that it will enhance electoral fairness and prevent any one candidate from gaining an undue advantage simply due to their position on the ballot. Meanwhile, opponents express concern about the potential for voter confusion and an increased burden on election officials. The discussions suggest a careful balance between ensuring equitable treatment of candidates and maintaining clear, understandable voting processes for the electorate.

Contention

Debate surrounding this bill also highlights broader issues of electoral integrity and the balance between administrative efficiency and voter accessibility. Some legislators are worried that frequent changes to ballot presentation might alienate voters, while others firmly believe that more randomized and equitable practices could bolster public faith in the electoral process. Overall, HB 735 represents an important conversation about how best to innovate within Pennsylvania's electoral framework.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 SB1013

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

PA HB1178

In county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, providing for authorization of ranked choice voting in municipal elections; in nomination of candidates, further providing for which candidates nominated; in ballots, further providing for form of official primary ballot; in electronic voting systems, further providing for election day procedures and the process of voting; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for method of marking ballots and depositing same in districts in which ballots are used and for count and return of votes in districts in which ballots are used; and, in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for persons receiving highest number of votes to be declared elected.

PA HB1339

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for explanation of ballot question and providing for wording of ballot question; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for elections on proposed constitutional amendments; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot; in voting machines, further providing for form of ballot labels on voting machines; and, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for publishing constitutional amendments.

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 HB704

Providing for early in-person voting in elections; 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 HB858

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 HB489

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 HB488

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.

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PA HB703

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VA HB2564

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PA SB811

A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for powers reserved to the people.

PA SB446

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PA HB1207

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for explanation of ballot question and providing for wording of ballot question; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for elections on proposed constitutional amendments; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot; in voting machines, further providing for form of ballot labels on voting machines; and, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for publishing constitutional amendments.

PA HB1339

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for explanation of ballot question and providing for wording of ballot question; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for elections on proposed constitutional amendments; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot; in voting machines, further providing for form of ballot labels on voting machines; and, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for publishing constitutional amendments.

MA S295

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