Legislation introduced in the state House would give voters another option when it comes to casting a ballot.
The bill would permit voters in Pennsylvania to vote by mail. Voters would request a ballot once and then continue receiving them by mail for every election until they opted out.
State Rep. Bob Matzie- representing parts of Beaver and Allegheny counties- is the bill’s sponsor.
“The right to vote is at the heart of our democracy, but the system we use to cast and count ballots can help or hinder the process,” Matzie said. “Voting by mail has numerous advantages over traditional voting: it increases voter participation, saves taxpayer dollars and reduces the already low chance of fraud.”
Matzie says a vote-by-mail system is already working in 22 other states. Three of those states- Oregon, Washington and Colorado- hold their elections entirely by mail.
“There are many other advantages, as well. No concern about the weather. No issues with making it to work on time, or to the polls on time. No hassle for first responders or emergency workers. No worrying about a ride to the polls. Easier for seniors. Easier for those with disabilities. Easier for those who travel for work. Easier for students. Easier for everyone,” he said.
Butler County Elections Director Shari Brewer has long advocated for voting reform, either by switching to voting centers or vote-by-mail.
“We already trust the postal service to handle sensitive personal documents, so we can feel confident in their ability to handle our ballots,” Matzie said. “I’m encouraging my colleagues to support this bill, which will get more citizens involved in voting and end long lines on Election Day.”
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