Apr. 19, 2017
HARRISBURG- Rep. Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny/Washington) said today the House State Government Committee has approved
House Bill 171, his legislation to strengthen the election process in Pennsylvania.
House Bill 171 would permit a registered voter of the Commonwealth to be appointed as a poll watcher in any election district located in Pennsylvania. These poll watchers would be present at polling places for the purposes of maintaining the integrity of the voting process.
“Across the country, each election season brings reports and criminal prosecutions of illegal voting,” said Saccone. “If people want to feel that their vote counts and is not being nullified by someone who is voting more than once, this is a step to ensure the integrity of that process.”
On March 24, the Election Fraud Task Force in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office launched an investigation into the special election in the 197th Legislative District after the task force received numerous complaints of alleged electioneering inside the polling place, illegal voter assistance and individuals writing on posted ballots. Saccone believes the controversy in the 197th District is an example of why the Commonwealth needs appointed poll watchers.
“The right to vote in a fair and honest election is one of our core American principles,” said Saccone. “I want to defend the vote of every man and woman, ensuring that only one eligible person votes and that vote is not deluded by fraud.”
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.
Representative Rick Saccone
39th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Mike Madry
717.260.6587
mmadry@pahousegop.com
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