May. 20, 2019
HARRISBURG – Recognizing the importance of voting and the right citizens have to cast their vote, Rep. Matt Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) has introduced legislation that would extend the deadline for accepting absentee ballots in the Commonwealth.
“The right to vote is our most sacred right,” said Dowling. “The primary goal of this commonsense legislation will allow more people to vote and fulfill that right.”
Under Dowling’s legislation any legally cast absentee ballot that is received by a county board of elections on or before 5 p.m. the day before the election day will be counted. Additionally, the bill will authorize counties to begin mailing absentee ballots to civilian absentee voters a month before an election.
As per the current Election Code, the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is the Tuesday of the week before an election. Election officials receiving a valid request must then mail the ballot to the absentee voter. The voter must, in turn, fill out and return the ballot by 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately preceding the election in order for the ballot to be counted.
Representative Matthew Dowling
51st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abby Krueger
717.260.6617
akrueger@pahousegop.com
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