Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
08/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/29/2024 12:40
Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Secure PA’s Election Process
Aug. 29, 2024
HARRISBURG - With the presidential election approaching in November and Pennsylvania again in the national spotlight as a critical swing state, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (Butler/Lawrence) is introducing a legislative package aimed at enhancing the transparency and security of Pennsylvania's election process.
"Even four years after the administrative failures of the 2020 General Election, Pennsylvania has not taken the necessary steps to reform or improve our election laws comprehensively," said Bernstine. "The world is watching us, and it is imperative that Pennsylvanians - and voters across the nation - have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of our election process. This package of bills is designed to address the minimum needed improvements to reach that goal."
The proposed legislative package includes the following measures:
• Changes to the Pennsylvania Department of State - The bill would require the Pennsylvania Department of State to update the full voter export list daily instead of weekly. It would also include a detailed breakout of instances where voter registration information is altered, including the date and time of such changes. This increased transparency would help identify and investigate suspicious or unusual trends in voter registration.
• Verification of Voter Registration Applicants - The legislation would mandate that county boards of elections ascertain whether a voter registration applicant is a qualified elector within 96 hours of receiving the application. Verification would include the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number and their Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driver's license or identification card number, ensuring only qualified electors participate in elections.
• Increased Penalties for Fraudulent Voting - This would deter fraudulent voting activities. The bill introduces a fine of $50,000 and a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail for each occurrence. "We need to send a clear message to everyone! If you jeopardize or cast doubt on our elections, you will face justice," said Bernstine.
• Incentives for Reporting Election Fraud - The legislation would award 50% of any fine collected for election-related offenses to the individual who reported the offense. "While we have safeguards in place, nothing is as effective as law-abiding citizens who watch out for fraud," added Bernstine.
Bernstine's legislative package would seek to fortify Pennsylvania's election process, ensuring every vote is secure, verified and counted accurately.
Representative Aaron Bernstine
8th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
[email protected]
RepBernstine.com
"Even four years after the administrative failures of the 2020 General Election, Pennsylvania has not taken the necessary steps to reform or improve our election laws comprehensively," said Bernstine. "The world is watching us, and it is imperative that Pennsylvanians - and voters across the nation - have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of our election process. This package of bills is designed to address the minimum needed improvements to reach that goal."
The proposed legislative package includes the following measures:
• Changes to the Pennsylvania Department of State - The bill would require the Pennsylvania Department of State to update the full voter export list daily instead of weekly. It would also include a detailed breakout of instances where voter registration information is altered, including the date and time of such changes. This increased transparency would help identify and investigate suspicious or unusual trends in voter registration.
• Verification of Voter Registration Applicants - The legislation would mandate that county boards of elections ascertain whether a voter registration applicant is a qualified elector within 96 hours of receiving the application. Verification would include the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number and their Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driver's license or identification card number, ensuring only qualified electors participate in elections.
• Increased Penalties for Fraudulent Voting - This would deter fraudulent voting activities. The bill introduces a fine of $50,000 and a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail for each occurrence. "We need to send a clear message to everyone! If you jeopardize or cast doubt on our elections, you will face justice," said Bernstine.
• Incentives for Reporting Election Fraud - The legislation would award 50% of any fine collected for election-related offenses to the individual who reported the offense. "While we have safeguards in place, nothing is as effective as law-abiding citizens who watch out for fraud," added Bernstine.
Bernstine's legislative package would seek to fortify Pennsylvania's election process, ensuring every vote is secure, verified and counted accurately.
Representative Aaron Bernstine
8th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
[email protected]
RepBernstine.com
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