Counties have been pleading for the ability to pre-canvass write in ballots prior to election day. All sides seem to agree this makes a whole lot of sense; but both sides of the legislature have been unwilling to run it as a stand-alone bill because of attachments or lack of attachments. Well finally On May 1, the House of Representatives advanced HB 847, sponsored by Representative Scott Conklin (D-Centre), which expands the ability of counties to pre-canvass all mail-in and absentee ballots up to 7 days prior to election day. This change would enhance election administration without compromising security and is a top priority issue for counties this year.
There are many areas of Act 77 that need clarification by the General Assembly and administration to help counties fulfill their responsibilities in election administration. However, this simple, rational, commonsense change by itself would give counties more time to prepare mail-in and absentee ballots for counting and would help manage workloads and resources, ensuring timely availability of results.
Counties hope the narrow focus of this bill will encourage the Senate to act quickly to move the bill as currently written to the Governor’s desk so that it can be implemented for what promises to be a high turnout, high profile General Election in November.
Source: Adams County Commissioners