Apr. 30, 2025
HARRISBURG – Rep. Brenda Pugh (R-Luzerne) today announced she has introduced legislation to move the mail-in and absentee ballot deadline back so voters have enough time to return their ballots to ensure they are counted.
“Currently, voters can request a mail-in or absentee ballot up to seven days before the election,” Pugh said. “In reality, waiting until the deadline makes it nearly impossible for the ballot to be mailed to the voter and returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day. By changing the deadline, voters will have enough time to receive it, fill it out and have it back to their county’s board of elections office so it is counted.”
House Bill 1298 would move Pennsylvania’s deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot to 15 days prior to Election Day. The bill has been referred to the House State Government Committee for consideration.
In addition, in the near future, Pugh plans to introduce legislation to strengthen mail-in and absentee ballot security by only allowing for drop boxes at the permanent office of the county board of elections or county courthouse.
The 120th Legislative District includes Courtdale, Exeter, Forty Fort, Kingston, Luzerne, Pringle, Swoyersville, West Wyoming and Wyoming boroughs, as well as Dallas, Exeter, Franklin, Jackson and Kingston townships in Luzerne County.
Representative Brenda Pugh
120th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com
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