Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB812

Introduced
5/30/25  

Caption

In electronic voting systems, further providing for examination and approval of electronic voting systems by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for malfunction and certification reporting; and making an editorial change.

Impact

If enacted, SB 812 will have significant implications for how electronic voting systems are managed and utilized in Pennsylvania elections. The bill requires that counties report any malfunctions related to these systems within a specified timeframe following elections, detailing the nature and impact of any issues encountered. This requirement aims to hold electoral authorities accountable and ensure that any complications are transparently communicated to the public. Additionally, the Department of State is directed to make these reports publicly accessible, which could influence how future elections are conducted and perceived by voters.

Summary

Senate Bill 812 aims to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code, specifically focusing on the examination and approval processes of electronic voting systems by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The bill introduces a comprehensive framework for ensuring that these systems are both functional and secure for public elections. This not only involves technical assessments but also mandates public demonstrations of the voting systems, thereby promoting transparency in the electoral process. By establishing clear guidelines for evaluating and certifying these systems, the legislation seeks to enhance voter confidence and ensure that election procedures meet high standards of integrity.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 812 appears to lean positively, particularly among those who advocate for improvements in electoral systems and voter security. Supporters argue that the transparency measures proposed in the bill, including public demonstrations and detailed reporting, will bolster public trust in the electoral process. However, certain groups may express concerns about the potential costs and administrative burdens associated with implementing these new standards, indicating a need for careful consideration of resource allocation among counties.

Contention

Notably, the bill emphasizes the need for public accessibility during the examination of electronic voting systems, which may raise questions about how to balance security with transparency. Critics could argue that while public demonstrations are crucial, they must be managed in a way that does not compromise the integrity of the systems being tested. Furthermore, the reporting of malfunctions may lead to debates regarding accountability and the root causes of any failures, prompting discussions on whether additional resources or training are necessary for election officials.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1081

In electronic voting systems, further providing for statistical sample.

PA HB1683

In electronic voting systems, further providing for returns.

PA HB2053

In voting machines, further providing for examination and approval of voting machines by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for requirements of voting machines and for preparation of voting machines by county election boards.

PA HB2060

In electronic voting systems, further providing for election day procedures and the process of voting.

PA HB2062

In electronic voting systems, providing for suitability of paper record methodologies for electronic voting systems.

PA HB2054

In electronic voting systems, providing for defects, disclosure, investigations and penalties.

PA SB1293

In electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies and preparation of the voting system and of polling places and providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing; and, in penalties, providing for falsification of election-related documentation regarding pre-election logic and accuracy testing.

PA HB1498

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; and, in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards.

PA HB773

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for powers and duties of the supervisor, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA HB1827

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, for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies, providing for same-day voter registration and for preregistration data entry and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications; in changes in records, further providing for death of registrant; in voting procedures, providing for prohibition of rejecting ballots based solely on signature analysis; making a repeal; and making editorial changes.

Similar Bills

PA HB2231

In preliminary provisions, adopting the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act; requiring recordings of interrogations; and imposing functions on the Attorney General.

PA SB717

In preliminary provisions, adopting the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act; requiring recordings of interrogations; and imposing functions on the Attorney General.

PA HB413

In preliminary provisions, adopting the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act; requiring recordings of interrogations; and imposing functions on the Attorney General.

PA SB370

In preliminary provisions, adopting the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act; requiring recordings of interrogations; and imposing functions on the Attorney General.

VA HJR537

Emergency response vehicles; Sec. of Public Safety to study impact of federal emissions standards.

PA SB139

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use, for residual funds and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA HB1262

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use, for residual funds and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA HB815

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use, for residual funds and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.