Pennsylvania bill to allow mail ballot pre-canvassing passes House

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A Pennsylvania bill to allow pre-canvassing of mail-in and absentee up to seven days before an election has passed the State House.

According to the Pennsylvania Election Code, “pre-canvass” is defined as “the inspection and opening of all envelopes containing official absentee ballots or mail-in ballots, the removal of such ballots from the envelopes and the counting, computing and tallying of the votes reflected on the ballots.”

Under the rule, the term does not include the recording or publishing of the votes reflected on the ballots.

Current state law states that pre-canvassing cannot begin until 7 a.m. on election day.

House Bill 847, sponsored by Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre), would extend the time to up to seven days before the election

Conklin says the bill is a response to a large increase in mail-in and absentee ballots in recent years.

“Free and fair elections are at the very heart of our democracy, but ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently requires vigilance – and sometimes action – on our part when changing circumstances demand it,” Conklin said. “Five years ago, Pennsylvania expanded the use of mail and absentee ballots, resulting in a dramatic increase in these ballots. It was a great move that increased voter participation, but it also created some unwanted administrative issues.

The bill passed the House by 102-99 party-line vote. The bill will now go to the Republican-controlled State Senate for consideration.

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