Senate Approves Stefano and Martin Election Cost Savings Measure

HARRISBURG – The Senate approved a package of election reforms today that includes a measure to help reduce costs to counties, according to the bill’s sponsors, Senators Pat Stefano (R-32) and Scott Martin (R-13).

Senate Bill 418 would revise an outdated state law that requires each polling place to have a total number of printed ballots equaling 110 percent of the total number of registered voters in that precinct. The bill would only require a minimum of at least 10 percent more printed ballots than the total number cast in any of the past three elections of a similar type.

“This is a common sense reform to the way that we manage elections,” Stefano said. “It provides for an efficient running of an election and provide counties with the flexibility they need to manage the process in their county. “

“It is critical to build and maintain an election system that is both fair for voters and efficient for taxpayers,” Martin said. “Many counties are struggling with the increased costs of elections without creating new hurdles for voters. This is one way we can simplify the process and reduce costs while at the same time protecting one of our most important rights as citizens.”

The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

 

CONTACT:  Ben Wren (717) 787-7175 (Senator Stefano)
                        Terry Trego (717) 787-6535 (Senator Martin)

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