PA: Webster, Kenyatta Propose Legislation to Clarify, Streamline Mail-In Voting Process
State representatives Joe Webster (D-Montgomery) and Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) are offering a solution.
While they agree that mail-in and drop-off voting makes the democratic process more accessible for eligible voters in every region throughout our state, it has been a source of confusion and contention. In response to what they say is a lack of clear guidance from the state legislature, the duo is proposing legislation that would clarify and streamline the mail-in voting process in the Commonwealth.
- Change the term “permanent” mailing list to “annual” mailing list to better reflect its operation and purpose.
- Change the deadline to apply for a mail-in or an absentee ballot from the current deadline of 7 days before Election Day to 12 days before Election Day, ensuring the postal service has sufficient time to deliver ballots.
- Eliminate the requirement for the use of secrecy envelopes, making the choice to use the envelope at the discretion of the voter.
Clarify that the requirement to sign and date a mail-in or absentee ballot means to include the date of the voter’s signature, and clarify that failure to date a ballot cannot be the sole grounds to disqualify a ballot.
- Statutorily provide counties the authority to use ballot drop boxes and establish minimum requirements for counties that choose to use them.
https://www.politicspa.com/webster-kenyatta-propose-legislation-to-clarify-streamline-mail-in-voting-process/118589/