HB 267 — An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for assistance in voting.

Summary

Voter Accessibility

Bill Text

• Printer's No. 0212 View text Current

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill permits voters with disabilities to vote from their vehicles and modifies existing regulations on assistance in voting.

• Section 1218

  No → Except as provided under subsection (a.1), no voter shall be permitted to receive any assistance in voting at any election, unless there is recorded upon his registration card his declaration that, by reason of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write, he is unable to read the names on the ballot or on the voting machine labels, or that he has a physical disability which renders him unable to see or mark the ballot or operate the voting machine, or to enter the voting compartment or voting machine booth without assistance, the exact nature of such condition being recorded on such registration card, and unless the election officers are satisfied that he still suffers from the same condition.

  The bill clarifies that some voters may receive assistance in voting at any election based on their registration, while maintaining that no assistance will be allowed unless a specific declaration is made.

• Section 1218 (a.1)

  (1) Notwithstanding any provision of this act or any other law or regulation to the contrary, a voter who, due to blindness, disease or other disability, is physically unable to enter a polling place where ballots or an electronic voting system are used at any election may vote without leaving a motor vehicle.

  This provision allows voters with certain disabilities to vote from their vehicles, expanding access to the electoral process.

• Section 1218 (a.1)

  (2) The regular voting procedures may be modified by the election officer to the extent necessary to conduct voting under this subsection.

  Election officers are empowered to modify procedures to accommodate voters voting from their vehicles.

• Section 1218 (a.1)

  (3) If the exact nature of the voter's disability or condition is not recorded on the voter's registration card, the voter may provide evidence of a disability or condition in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

  This change allows voters to provide evidence of their disability if it is not already documented, ensuring they can still receive assistance.

• Section 1218 (a.1)

  (4) At least two election officers who are members of different major political parties shall assist the voter by providing the necessary ballots at the polling place entrance or curb, as the case may be.

  This ensures that assistance provided to voters from vehicles is bi-partisan, enhancing the integrity of the voting process.

• Section 1218 (a.1)

  (5) After the voter is accepted for voting, the voter shall mark the ballot and give it to the election officers who shall deposit it in the ballot box. The voter may request additional assistance as provided under subsection (a).

  This outlines the procedure for voting from a vehicle, allowing the voter to mark their ballot independently.

• Section 1218 (a.1)

  (6) On the voter's request, a person accompanying the voter shall be permitted to select the voter's ballot and deposit the ballot in the ballot box or enter the voting compartment or voting machine booth in accordance with subsection (b).

  This allows an accompanying person to assist the voter in depositing the ballot or entering the voting area.

Action History

1. January 22, 2025

   Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Jan. 22, 2025

Sponsors

• Liz Hanbidge · Primary
• Tarik Khan · Cosponsor
• Jose Giral · Cosponsor
• Michael H. Schlossberg · Cosponsor
• Benjamin V. Sanchez · Cosponsor
• Kristine C. Howard · Cosponsor
• Danielle Friel Otten · Cosponsor
• Melissa Cerrato · Cosponsor
• G. Roni Green · Cosponsor
• Ben Waxman · Cosponsor
• Jennifer O'Mara · Cosponsor
• Carol Hill-Evans · Cosponsor

Subjects