HARRISBURG – Legislation is being introduced to move the mail-in and absentee ballot deadline back so PA voters have enough time to return their ballots to ensure they are counted. Bill sponsor, Luzerne County Rep. Brenda Pugh said, “Currently, voters can request a mail-in or absentee ballot up to seven days before the election. 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.” House Bill 1298 would move PA’s deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot to 15 days prior to Election Day. The bill is before the PA House State Government Committee. Pugh also 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.
REP. BRENDA PUGH