Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB874

Introduced
6/23/25  

Caption

In election districts and polling places, providing for residence of incarcerated individuals.

Impact

The implications of SB874 are profound, as it seeks to alter how populations are counted during redistricting, aiming to provide a more accurate representation of communities. By counting incarcerated individuals based on their last known addresses, this bill could potentially shift the political landscape, particularly in districts with large correctional facilities. It may lead to adjustments in political power dynamics, as areas previously underrepresented could gain influence when these individuals are counted as part of their original communities rather than the facilities where they are incarcerated.

Summary

Senate Bill 874 is designed to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code, focusing specifically on the inclusion of incarcerated individuals in population counts for the purposes of legislative redistricting. The bill states that individuals incarcerated in federal or state correctional facilities, as well as juveniles in placement facilities, should be counted as residing at their last known address. This redefinition of residency is intended to ensure that legislative districts accurately reflect the population based on where individuals resided before their incarceration, thereby impacting the redistricting process significantly.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB874 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the bill restores fairness in the electoral process by ensuring that all residents, regardless of their incarceration status, are counted accurately in their communities. However, critics may express concerns regarding the portrayal and treatment of incarcerated individuals in the electoral process, suggesting that it could be seen as a way to manipulate demographic data for political gain. This debate raises fundamental questions about representation and the rights of individuals during incarceration.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the practicality and ethical implications of counting incarcerated individuals in this manner. Opponents might argue that such a change could complicate the redistricting process and lead to potential misrepresentation of community needs. Additionally, there may be concerns about the data collection process required under this bill, including how accurately the Department of Corrections and the Department of Human Services can compile and report this information. Overall, SB874 highlights the ongoing discussions about representation, justice, and the electoral process in Pennsylvania.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1487

In election districts and polling places, further providing for polling places to be selected by county board; and, in qualifications of electors, further providing for residence of electors.

PA HB1158

In preliminary provisions, providing for designation of Election Day as legal holiday; and, in election districts and polling places, further providing for public buildings to be used where possible and portable polling places.

PA HB1235

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.

PA SB313

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 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. Amending Title 25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies and for approval of registration applications; and, in changes in records, repealing provisions relating to removal notices, to transfer of registration and to change of enrollment of political party and further providing for death of registrant.

PA HB2326

Providing for legislative districts.

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 HB1488

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for elections on proposed constitutional amendments.

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 HB123

In county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in datesof 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.