FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2025
CONTACT: Kirstin Snow, snow@pennpolicy.org
Press Statement in Support of PA House Bill 1396; and key provisions
House Bill 1396 takes critical steps toward expanding voter access and enhancing the security of our elections. This legislation provides important updates to our voting system that make it easier for people to vote. It requires counties to set up a minimum number of early voting centers and ballot drop boxes. And it creates a truly permanent vote-by-mail list. It provides for all counties to set up electronic poll books, which will enable further steps in making voting more accessible to all. And it sets universal standards and procedures to enable voters to cure defective mail and absentee ballots so that all votes will be counted.
HB 1396 also takes steps to create safeguards that strengthen election security such as electronic ballot tracking and improved verification procedures. Itprovides important updates to recount procedures, taking steps to protect against frivolous challenges while ensuring legitimate ones can go forward. These provisions help ensure that every vote is counted accurately and transparently.
The legislature will need to engage in ongoing consultation with all stakeholders, especially to ensure that the resources necessary to carry out these impressive reforms are provided to those who must carry them out, especially county election boards.
This bill reflects the core values of a healthy democracy: broad access to the ballot and robust election integrity. We urge lawmakers to pass HB 1396 without delay and affirm Pennsylvania’s commitment to safe, secure, and accessible elections for all.
— Pennsylvania Policy Center
Pennsylvania House Bill 1396 (HB 1396), introduced in the 2025–2026 legislative session, proposes comprehensive reforms to the state’s election laws. The bill aims to enhance voter access, modernize election infrastructure, and strengthen election security. Key provisions include:
1. In-Person Early Voting
Establishes early voting centers to allow voters to cast their ballots in person before Election Day, providing greater flexibility and reducing congestion at polling places.
2. Ballot Drop Boxes
Authorizes the use of secure ballot drop boxes across the state, providing voters a convenient and safe method to submit mail-in ballots without relying solely on postal services.
3. Permanent Mail-In Voting List
Creates a permanent list for voters who wish to receive mail-in ballots automatically for each election, streamlining the process and encouraging consistent voter participation.
4. Electronic Poll Books
Implements electronic poll books to replace paper-based systems, improving the efficiency and accuracy of voter check-in processes at polling stations.
5. Pre-election Logic and Accuracy Testing
Mandates rigorous pre-election testing of electronic voting systems to ensure they function correctly and securely before being used in an election.
6. Post-election Ballot Audits
Requires comprehensive audits of election results to verify the accuracy of vote counts and bolster public confidence in electoral outcomes.
7. Election Infrastructure Equipment Bonds
Provides for the issuance of bonds to fund the acquisition and maintenance of modern election equipment, ensuring that counties have the necessary resources to conduct secure elections.
8. SURE System Enhancements
Improves the Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) system to enhance the accuracy and security of voter registration records.
9. Voter Registration Reforms
Streamlines voter registration processes, including options to register when applying for a driver’s license or through other government agencies, making it more accessible for eligible citizens to register.
10. Election Integrity Grant Program
Expands funding for counties through grants aimed at improving election administration and security measures.
Overall, HB 1396 represents a significant effort to modernize Pennsylvania’s electoral system by making voting more accessible and secure for all citizens.
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