PennPIRG Supports Rep. Boyle’s Bill for Emergency Vote-By-Mail in PA

Media Contacts
Emma Horst-Martz

Former Advocate, PennPIRG

To ensure voter participation during Coronavirus outbreak, House should pass HB2637

PennPIRG

PHILADELPHIA– The continued spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) poses a real threat to our democracy, as it may significantly reduce voter turnout in the spring primary and the general election in November. PennPIRG, the statewide public interest organization, is supporting a new bill introduced today by Representative Kevin Boyle. HB2637 amends Act 77, providing $40,000,000 to send each voter in the state a vote-by-mail application. Act 77 expanded no-excuse absentee voting and established a new vote-by-mail program, but Boyle’s amendment would further encourage voters to use these options while coronavirus makes it unsafe to vote in person at polling locations. 

“While the state is developing its plans to deal with the impact of coronavirus, our state leaders must also adapt to voters’ needs during this election season,” said PennPIRG Campaign Associate Emma Horst-Martz. “We support Representative Boyle’s proposal and encourage the state to take the next step by sending each voter an actual vote-by-mail ballot. A functional democracy depends on full participation, especially during times of uncertainty.”

States like Oregon and Colorado already have universal vote by mail, and many other states allow people to automatically receive absentee ballots sent to their home. Successful implementation of emergency absentee voting would require states to have systems like online voter registration in place to ensure that all eligible voters receive ballots. Online voter registration is fast, efficient and resilient and is a system that states should have, regardless of circumstances. It would also likely require expanded infrastructure for counting absentee ballots.When it comes to systems for voting, states have served as the laboratories of democracy. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has joined the ranks of states with online voter registration, no-excuse absentee ballots, and vote-by-mail. 

At this time when it is unsafe for voters to gather at the polls and for volunteer poll workers to spend hours interacting with the public, Pennsylvanians need increased support to ensure full participation in the upcoming election. If every voter were mailed a ballot, it would allow the public to follow best practices of social isolation to reduce the spread of coronavirus, while ensuring that every voice is heard in this critical election year. 

“Pennsylvania must be realistic regarding the impact of Coronavirus on the upcoming April 28th election, and the November elections beyond,” said Representative Kevin Boyle. “We don’t know what the future holds, or whether in-person voting will be safe or viable. Seniors are especially at risk with this pandemic – and make up a large portion of both our poll workers and voters. I am introducing legislation today, House Bill 2367, to require that all eligible voters be mailed a mail-in ballot application with prepaid postage, using the new mail-in ballot voting process provided for by Act 77. By practicing social distancing, we can work to reduce the number of individuals exposed to COVID-19 and ‘flatten the curve’, preventing this epidemic from overwhelming our healthcare workers and facilities”

Systems and best practices exist to ensure the integrity of our elections. In challenging times, we can come together, share expertise, and ensure safe, successful elections.

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