Jun. 30, 2021
HARRISBURG – Reps. Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe/Pike), Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) and Mike Peifer (R-Pike/Wayne) provided the following statement after the governor vetoed the Pennsylvania Voting Rights Protection Act (
House Bill 1300).
“It is absolutely disappointing that the governor chose to not stand with the people of Pennsylvania as he vetoed a bill that would have ensured that our election system was as updated and secure as possible. House Bill 1300 would have completely overhauled our outdated election laws and effectively enhanced our state’s ability to offer more accessibility and security -protecting the sanctity of everyone’s vote, no matter what political affiliation.
“But most importantly, through these efforts, we would have helped restore the faith Pennsylvania lost in our ability to represent their interests. Our Legislature heard from thousands of residents who wanted us to take action on improving our election law and that is what we accomplished. Ten hearings were held, hours of testimony from local and state officials as well as election experts were heard, and House Bill 1300 was carefully crafted to include solutions offered by testifiers and our residents. Unfortunately, today, just like that, the governor decided to turn his back on everyone he represents.”
House Bill 1300 would have done the following had the governor not vetoed it:
Expanded Pennsylvania’s current voter identification law to require ID be presented anytime a voter votes in person and provided ID to registered voters; to meet this requirement.
Required regular election audits at both the state and county levels; enhanced certification processes for all machines used in elections; required signature verification using ballot scanning equipment for mail-in and absentee ballots; ensured election uniformity among the 67 counties as required by the Pennsylvania Constitution; and improved lists of registered voters to ensure people who have died or moved are no longer on the list.
It would have enhanced voter access by allowing for early in-person voting to begin in 2025; outlined a process for mail-in voters to correct certain types of errors on their ballots, such as unsigned or undated ballots; and gave counties the option to use secure mail-in ballot drop boxes during specific times and at secure locations.
For additional information on House Bill 1300, visit here.
Representative Jonathan Fritz
111th District
Representative Mike Peifer
139th District
Representative Rosemary M. Brown
189th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abby Chiumento
717-260-6617
achiumento@pahousegop.com
RepPeifer.com |
RepBrown.com |
RepFritz.com