Bipartisan Momentum for Election Reform in Pennsylvania
In a promising sign of bipartisan cooperation, Pennsylvania lawmakers are showing renewed interest in modernizing the state’s outdated election code. The existing code, enacted in 1937, received a major update with Act 77 in 2019, which enabled mail-in voting for the first time during the 2020 elections. However, recent elections have revealed lingering inefficiencies, prompting officials and voting rights advocates to call for further reforms.
Earlier this year, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt emphasized the need to address ongoing inconsistencies in how Act 77 is applied across counties and to promote “greater uniformity” in election procedures. Voting rights organizations, like All Voting Is Local (AVL), echo this sentiment, stressing that the current system causes confusion and unnecessary delays. Deborah Rose Hinchey, Pennsylvania state director for AVL, highlighted issues from the 2024 election, such as voters waiting in line for up to six hours and misunderstandings about the mail-in voting process.
Hinchey noted that although Pennsylvania doesn’t allow in-person early voting, many voters mistakenly believed that requesting a mail-in ballot in person at a county office counted as early voting. Since each on-demand ballot can take up to 12 minutes to process, this misunderstanding led to long queues and voter frustration. She argued for “common sense” reforms, like true early voting, to make the process more efficient and voter-friendly.
Despite previous failed attempts to pass early voting legislation—such as those proposed by House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia)—2024’s election issues may bring new urgency and cooperation. McClinton confirmed she is drafting another early voting package that includes same-day registration and secure in-person voting before Election Day, noting that these reforms are already common in other states.
Divergent Priorities: Voter ID and Ballot Access
While Democrats push for expanded ballot access, some Republicans remain focused on voter ID requirements to ensure election security. A new piece of legislation, House Bill 771, introduced on March 17 by Rep. Thomas Mehaffie (R-Dauphin), would require all voters to present identification that matches county records during each election—not just when registering or voting for the first time.
The bill is co-sponsored by 13 representatives, including two Democrats, Frank Burns (Cambria) and Ed Neilson (Philadelphia), reflecting its bipartisan appeal. Supporters argue that voter ID is a “common sense” measure supported by a majority of Pennsylvanians. Rep. K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bucks County) emphasized the need to rebuild public confidence in elections, stating, “These are the things we are sent here to accomplish.”
Democratic co-sponsor Frank Burns echoed this sentiment, saying the goal is to eliminate fears of election fraud and strengthen trust in the process. If passed, the new voter ID requirements would take effect on January 1, 2027.
However, critics like Hinchey argue that stricter ID laws would be a “huge disservice” to voters, especially those in marginalized communities. She warns that such policies could increase wait times and make voting more burdensome, particularly for those without easy access to official identification. Kadida Kenner, CEO of the New Pennsylvania Project, added that if lawmakers insist on voter ID, they must balance it with measures that increase ballot access.
Kenner, who previously lived in North Carolina, supports both early voting and same-day registration, which she says contributed to smooth and successful elections there. She criticized the notion that voter ID is universally “common sense,” pointing out that these laws often disproportionately affect communities of color and the elderly. Instead, she advocates for reforms that expand access to the ballot box and reduce confusion for voters.
Building Trust and Participation Through Communication
One of the consistent themes raised by stakeholders is the need to restore public trust in the election process. As voter laws evolve, many Pennsylvanians struggle to stay informed about the latest changes, leading to confusion and declining confidence. Kenner emphasized that the average voter simply wants to vote twice a year without complications or misinformation.
To address these concerns, she urged state lawmakers to hold town halls with constituents. Open dialogue, she said, can clarify the voting process, dispel myths, and encourage more people—especially first-time voters—to participate in elections. “Actually communicating what’s happening with our elections… goes a long way,” she said.
The AVL study comparing Pennsylvania and Michigan voter turnout in 2024 underscores the benefits of early voting. While both states have similar populations, Michigan—which implemented early voting last year—saw pre-election day voting nearly double that of Pennsylvania (58.6% vs. 26.8%).
This data adds weight to McClinton’s argument that adopting early voting in Pennsylvania could significantly increase turnout and simplify the process for voters. While House Republicans, including Rep. Tomlinson, have yet to comment on whether they would support such measures, advocates remain hopeful that shared frustrations from past elections will help bridge the partisan divide.
As the state continues to grapple with how to make elections more secure and accessible, groups like AVL and the New Pennsylvania Project will keep pushing for inclusive, transparent reforms. Kenner concluded, “As election law continues to change, it gets more confusing… That’s what the average Pennsylvanian wants—to vote without the drama.”
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