Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB705

Introduced
4/30/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The impact of SB705 on state laws is significant as it modifies existing provisions related to mail-in voting. By tightening the regulations on who can issue mail-in ballot applications, the bill aims to eliminate any potential confusion or fraudulent activities associated with ballots being sent from unauthorized sources. This legislation seeks to ensure that any application for mail-in voting is handled properly and securely, fostering greater confidence in the electoral process among constituents.

Summary

SB705 is a bill introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly that aims to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code, specifically regarding the applications for official mail-in ballots. The bill restricts the entities allowed to send applications for mail-in ballots, specifying that only the Department of State or the county board of elections may initiate this process for qualified electors. This change is intended to streamline the process of mail-in voting and enhance the integrity of the election system by limiting the sources from which voters can receive ballot applications.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding SB705 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to bolster election security and maintain the integrity of the voting process. They believe that limiting the distribution of mail-in ballot applications will prevent misuse and ensure that only eligible voters have access to these ballots. Conversely, opponents may view this bill as an undue restriction on voter access, potentially making it more challenging for some voters to participate in elections, particularly those who rely on mail-in ballots due to various circumstances.

Contention

Notable points of contention surround the balance between enhancing election security and maintaining voter access. Critics of the bill are concerned that although the intent is to secure the election process, it may disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who depend on mail-in voting. Additionally, discussions about the implications of an electronic system for applying for mail-in ballots have raised questions about data security and the effectiveness of technology in capturing and processing voter information. This debate reflects broader national conversations regarding election laws and the evolving landscape of voter access and voting rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 HB1422

In voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for voting by mail-in electors.

PA HB37

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 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 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 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 HB280

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in qualifications of electors, furth er providing for qualifications of electors at primaries; in party organization, further providing for only enrolled electors to vote at primaries or hold party offices; in nomination of candidates, further providing for candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected at primaries and providing for procedure for unenrolled electors to cast primary ballots; 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; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; and, in penalties, further providing for election officers refusing to permit elector to vote in proper party at primaries and repealing provisions relating to elector voting ballot of wrong party at primary.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.