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SB 294

An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999 (P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for definitions and for appropriation for and limitation on redevelopment assistance capital projects.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Argall and 9 co-sponsors

Authorizes and establishes procedures for early voting in Pennsylvania primaries and general elections.

Referred to Urban Affairs & Housing
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 294

Summary of Bill: SB 294 (Pennsylvania) — 2025-2026 Session

Note: The bill text provided appears to reflect an earlier version (SB 294 from the 2019-2020 session) focused on amending the Pennsylvania Election Code to provide for the conduct of early voting in primaries and elections. The action history shown (as of 2026) indicates a later reference and sponsorship in the current session, but the substantive target remains the election code provisions related to early voting. This summary describes the core intent and provisions typically associated with such legislation, based on the bill’s title and historical context.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim of SB 294 is to modify the Pennsylvania Election Code to authorize and establish procedures for early voting in both primary and general elections.
  • The bill seeks to create a framework to expand access to voting by allowing voters to cast ballots before Election Day, thereby potentially reducing lines, increasing turnout, and providing flexibility for voters unable to vote in person on Election Day.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

While the specific enacted text is not included here, typical provisions for an early voting bill of this nature generally include:

  • Authorization of Early Voting:

    • Establishment of designated early voting periods prior to primary and general elections.
    • Specification of the start and end dates for early voting, including potential weekend days.

  • Voting Locations and Administration:

    • Designation of early voting sites (e.g., county election offices, satellite locations, or special polls).
    • Rules for site operation, hours of operation, and staffing requirements.
    • Provision for accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  • Balloting Process:

    • Methods for casting ballots during the early voting period (in-person or ballot-marking systems).
    • Security and chain-of-custody procedures for early ballots.
    • Procedures for handling provisional ballots, ballot validation, and counting timelines.

  • Voter Eligibility and Identification:

    • Eligibility criteria for voters during the early voting window.
    • Any identification requirements or verifications applicable to early voters.

  • Records, Reporting, and Audits:

    • Requirements for reporting early voting statistics ( turnout, site usage, etc.).
    • Provisions for audits or safeguards to ensure accurate counting and prevent fraud.

  • Transitional and Administrative Provisions:

    • Information technology and equipment standards for early voting systems.
    • Training and guidance for election officials and poll workers.
    • Coordination with existing election calendars and certification processes.

3) Who and What Would Be Affected

  • Voters: Pennsylvania residents eligible to vote in primaries and elections would gain the option to vote during the early voting period.
  • Local election Officials: County boards of elections and election staff would be responsible for managing early voting sites, hours, and processes.
  • Election Infrastructure: The state would need to provide or authorize the necessary infrastructure, including polling locations, ballot security measures, and possibly updated ballot design or voting machine configurations.
  • Campaigns and Political Entities: Campaigns may adjust strategies in response to extended voting windows and distribution of turnout.

4) Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Legislative Path: The bill would move through committee review (likely State Government or Urban Affairs and Housing in current context) and then to the floor for votes. The 2019-2020 version was referred to a committee in February 2019 with limited public committee activity noted in the record.
  • Effective Date: Bills proposing new voting procedures typically include an effective date that allows time for counties to implement and configure early voting sites and systems before a scheduled election.
  • Implementation Timeline: If enacted, counties would require time to set up early voting sites, train staff, purchase or upgrade equipment, and inform the public about the new voting option.

Notes

  • The provided material primarily reflects SB 294’s historical focus on early voting within the Pennsylvania Election Code. If the current 2025-2026 version includes amendments, it may update definitions, provide appropriation or funding guidance for redevelopment or capital needs related to election facilities, and specify budgetary parameters for implementing early voting infrastructure.
  • For precise provisions, dates, dollar figures, and jurisdictional details, the final enacted text or the latest amended version should be consulted.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to reflect the exact current text and any fiscal notes or fiscal impact statements once you share the latest version.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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