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PA HB499
Bill
Status
2/5/2025
Primary Sponsor
Joseph Webster
Click for details
AI Summary
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Changes permanent absentee and mail-in ballot lists to annual lists, requiring voters to reapply each year by the first Monday in February to automatically receive ballot applications for all elections that calendar year.
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Establishes new application deadlines: in-person applications accepted until 5:00 P.M. on the first Tuesday before election day; mail and online applications must be received by the 12th day before the election.
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Makes use of the inner "secrecy" envelope optional for both absentee and mail-in ballots; failure to use it cannot disqualify a ballot.
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Removes strict date requirements for ballot envelope declarations; ballots cannot be disqualified solely for missing signatures or dates outside the receipt window if the declaration is otherwise properly executed.
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Authorizes county boards of elections to establish secure ballot drop boxes that must be ADA-compliant, tamper-resistant, monitored in-person or by video, available at least 30 days before the election, and staffed by two employees for daily ballot collection with chain of custody logs.
Legislative Description
In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.
Last Action
Referred to State Government
2/5/2025