Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB37

Introduced
1/10/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of HB37 on state laws involve significant changes to how absentee and mail-in voting processes are handled in Pennsylvania. By setting a defined timeline for pre-canvassing, the bill seeks to streamline the election process and potentially reduce the likelihood of delays in ballot counting. Moreover, the requirement for public notification aims to increase transparency in election operations, potentially boosting public trust in the election process.

Summary

House Bill 37 aims to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code, specifically focusing on the procedures surrounding absentee voting and the funding of elections. This bill proposes that county boards of elections start pre-canvassing absentee and mail-in ballots a minimum of seven days before elections. The intent is to enhance efficiency in election administration and ensure that all ballots are counted and verified in a timely manner. The bill also emphasizes transparency by requiring counties to provide public notice about pre-canvassing meetings on their websites, aiming to create a more informed electorate.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB37 arise from concerns about the adequacy of funding for the Election Integrity Grant Program, which is necessary for counties to implement the changes outlined in the bill. Some legislators and advocacy groups may argue that without sufficient funding, the bill could inadvertently create disparities between counties in their ability to comply with the new requirements. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the overall security and integrity of mail-in ballots, as opponents may argue that changes in procedures could lead to vulnerabilities if not managed carefully.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2329

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 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, furth er 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 HB1218

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in recounts and contests, providing for independent prosecutor and for election integrity officers.

PA SB599

In county boards of elections, further providing for expenses of county boards and of primaries and elections to be paid by county, expenses of special elections and boards to be provided with offices; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot and for voting by absentee electors; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for voting by mail-in electors.

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 HB1298

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for date of application for mail-in ballot.

PA HB771

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for requirements relating to voter identification; 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, in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots.

PA SB192

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in qualifications of electors, further providing for rules for determining residence; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for qualified absentee electors and providing for voting by absentee electors in correctional institutions; and imposing duties on the Department of State.

PA HB534

In voting by qualified absentee electors, providing for absentee ballots for electors who are blind, visually impaired or disabled.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.