Pennsylvania Republicans Introduce New Voter Laws
Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania are pushing an overhaul of the state’s election system with new voter laws. They aim to tighten security and reduce fraud. The proposal is among more than 300 voting bills introduced by GOP lawmakers nationwide following the 2020 presidential election.
Pennsylvania’s proposal is not unlike the two Arizona laws currently facing a federal lawsuit. Introduced by State Rep. Seth Grove (R), the bill calls for stricter voter ID requirements, enhanced verification of signatures on mail-in ballots, decreased hours at polling stations, and other changes.
The 150-page proposal bans local governments from accepting private donations for election purposes. However, it allocates new state funding to cover the cost of electronic poll books and other supplies.
These Pennsylvania voter laws require all voters to present a valid ID each time they vote. But they also expand what counts as a valid ID and offers free ID cards to anyone who asks.
“This is a solid election reform bill, which simply ensures it is easier to vote and harder to cheat,” says Grove. “This responsible bill includes all aspects of issues brought before the committee and will propel Pennsylvania’s election into the 21st century, all while fixing fatal flaws and election security issues.”
Introduced following a series of 10 hearings held between January and April, Grove’s proposal includes an additional $3.1 million in funding to the state auditor general to create a Bureau of Election Audits. The new agency would be tasked with conducting ‘results-confirming audits’ of every election in the state.
“Even a shred of uncertainty in the results of our elections is enough to shake the bedrock of what we stand for in this country,” argues House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R). “We must make strides to grow trust in our processes, and a thorough, independent audit of every election in our Commonwealth is a step toward ensuring the public’s trust.”
Pennsylvania was a major source of uncertainty in 2020 when the state voted for Biden by a margin of just 1%. Former President Donald Trump called for a forensic audit, but lawmakers refused.
Grove’s proposal cleared the GOP-led House and Senate in June. However, it is expected to face a veto from Governor Tom Wolf (D).
“Make no mistake, this proposal is not about protecting voter rights or increasing access,” says Wolf’s press secretary, Lyndsay Kensinger. “It is an extremist proposal to try and undermine confidence in our election system which led to the assault on the US Capitol.”
Democratic lawmakers including Wolf oppose any and all changes to election security.
“This is another attempt by our Republican majorities to undermine the legitimacy of the 2020 election,” argues State Rep. Matt Bradford (D). “The party of Trump seems committed to a voter suppression platform.”
Grove has promised to introduce a ballot measure for voter ID if Wolf votes his legislation. According to polls, roughly 74% of Pennsylvania voters (and 80% of voters nationwide) support voter ID requirements.
“We will move on to doing a Constitutional Amendment for voter ID,” promised Grove. “And then we will be moving off of election reform, and we’re going to take it to the people if Governor Wolf doesn’t want to work with us.”
Sources:
Pa. GOP proposes major election overhaul, including stricter voter ID and in-person early voting
Pennsylvania GOP proposes creating election audit bureau
PA Gov. Wolf calls GOP-backed election bill ‘extremist proposal’ to ‘take away’ voting rights
Pennsylvania Senate Passes ‘One of the Strongest Integrity Bills’ in the Country: Committee Chairman
I suppose y9ou could compare this to taking your car to a repair shop and telling them to change some parts, when in fact there is nothing wrong with the car in any way, and it has passed a very challenging test, and nothing was found wrong in any way except accusations which bore no fruit in any way.
This is a stupid analogy. There are many weaknesses in our voting system. Why are the Dems fighting so hard against anything which will make our voting system safer and more secure? Hmm, makes you wonder, no?
It’s simple Donno. Cheat cheat cheat!!!!!
You’re the shining example of why Americans refer to Communists (DemocRATs) as Ignorant, Incompetent, and very dangerous to American society.
ALL ELECTION REGISTRATION BOOK’S NEEDS PERGED OF DEAD VOTERS!! ALSO IF YOU’RE NOT LISTED YOU DON’T VOTE!! SO REGISTRATION IS IMPORTANT TO VOTE IN ELECTIONS IN OUR NATION!!
ALL THIS IS GREAT THAT ONLY THE REPUBLI-RATS ARE GETTING THIS DONE BUT WE NEED ONE MORE THING FIXED BEFORE ANY OF THIS WORKS AND THAT IS TO GET RID OF THE VOTING COMPUTERS AND GO BACK TO PAPER BALLOTS EVEN IF IT DOES SLOW THING DOWN !! IT HAS BEEN PROVEN THAT COMPUTERS HANDLING THE VOTES ARE EASILY HACKED AND VOTES CHANGED !! VIETNAM VET 67-68
Good work
Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania are pushing an overhaul of the state’s election system with new voter laws. They aim to make it as difficult as possible for people to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.
Nailed it!
The only votes that would be suppressed are those of the deceased, the illegals and all of those people that current laws prohibit from voting.
Henry, which statistically speaking is not an issue.
If you can provide factual evidence of wide spread voter fraud, I’m all ears. But the Michigan and Arizona GOP have failed to do so, I doubt you will be able to either.
They are making it harder to cheat you moron. But you already know that. Your commie party has been caught. You assholes try that again and you idiots won’t believe what happens next
Dan,
Why the name calling? When you resort to pettiness it diminishes your point. But then again, you are a conservative male.
Where is the cheating? Michigan GOP failed miserably at proving voter fraud.
The Arizona GOP can’t keep their hands off the female interns long enough to find any widespread fraud. 7 months of trying and the GOP has not produced any evidence of widespread fraud.
This entire con is being perpetrated by the GOP because their platform is unpopular and the only way they have a chance to win is by making it as difficult as possible to vote.
Difficult for whom? Dumb asses that are too stupid to follow instructions? Yes. Cheating did occur. Ballot harvesting and the whole works.
Dan,
Difficult for the working poor, people of color, the poor in general, anyone that traditionally voted Democratic. Mr Abbott admitted so to Chris Wallace.
I’m not sure why Constitutional loving conservatives wouldn’t want to make it as easy as possible to have every eligible American to securely cast their vote. These new laws are aimed at preventing aspects of voting that statistically speaking have not been shown to have fraud associated with them.
Ben you and I agree that voting is a constitutional right. So is buying a gun. We have to show ID to do that. And people have to show it to drive or hold jobs. And, of course, to sign up for welfare. I see people of color owning homes and businesses. What do they do? Oh right. They show up and say “Buckwheat needs a ride or crib”. A lot of people never voted for commiecrats until they died