Aug. 11, 2016
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) has introduced legislation to permit public employees to serve as election officers in the Commonwealth. Currently, the Constitution of Pennsylvania prohibits public employees from serving in this capacity.
Over the last few decades, fewer people have run to become elections officers, often requiring counties to fill positions by appointment in order to keep polls open and properly staffed. Ortitay’s bill is a result of a recent meeting with Washington County Assistant Elections Director Wes Perry, who indicated that last year, the county had to appoint half of its more than 800 elections office positions.
“Public employees should have the same rights as people working in the private sector to serve their friends and neighbors as election officers,” Ortitay said. “This legislation will also provide needed flexibility for our county elections offices to fill precinct locations with county employees when they have trouble getting citizens to fill these important positions.”
Ortitay’s legislation is a joint resolution to amend the Constitution of Pennsylvania, which requires approval in two consecutive sessions, as well as a voter referendum.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Wagner
717.260.6281
mwagner@pahousegop.com
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