Posted: | March 3, 2017 01:10 PM |
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From: | Representative Ryan A. Bizzarro |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Same-day Voter Registration |
In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation from the 2015-16 legislative session to establish same-day voter registration in Pennsylvania. This legislation would allow any qualified resident to go to their polling place on Election Day, register to vote, and cast their ballot. In order to address concerns relating to increased potential for voter fraud, my proposal would not allow a ballot cast by an Election Day-registrant to be counted until the Department of State has verified their eligibility. This provision will provide balance between ballot access and election security. In the 2014 elections, voter turnout in states with same-day registration averaged 48 percent, 12 points higher than in states without such a law. In 2017, 15 states and the District of Columbia will offer same-day registration. In 2018, Hawaii’s same-day registration law will take effect. Several studies have shown the positive impact same-day registration has on lower-income, young, and minority voters. And in one example cited by the National Conference of State Legislatures, a review of Wisconsin’s same-day registration law showed more Republicans there took advantage of the process. It is time that Pennsylvania join the list of states which provide qualified, prospective voters with this convenient option. Please join me in increasing voter participation by offering your co-sponsorship to this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB101