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Bill

HB 476

An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in district election officers, providing for master list of prospective clerks of election and for clerk of election vacancies and further providing for vacancies in election boards, appointment, judge and majority inspector to be members of majority party and minority inspector to be member of minority party.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 7 co-sponsors

HB 476 establishes a master clerk list and defines party-based staffing requirements for Pennsylvania election boards to improve administration consistency and ensure bipartisan oversight.

Referred to State Government
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 476

Legislative bill overview

HB 476 amends Pennsylvania's 1937 Election Code to establish a master list of prospective election clerks, create procedures for filling clerk vacancies, and clarify party affiliation requirements for election board positions. The bill specifies that the judge and majority inspector must belong to the majority party, while the minority inspector must belong to the minority party.

Why is this important

Election administration depends on consistent, qualified staffing to maintain ballot integrity and public confidence. Establishing a master list of pre-vetted clerks and clear vacancy procedures could reduce delays and inconsistencies in staffing election operations across Pennsylvania counties. Party balance requirements in election board composition aim to ensure bipartisan oversight at polling places.

Potential points of contention

  • Party affiliation requirements: Mandating strict party affiliations may limit candidate pools, exclude independent candidates from election oversight roles, and raise questions about whether partisan balance actually ensures election integrity
  • Master list implementation: Creating and maintaining a statewide master list requires resources and coordination; unclear criteria for inclusion could create disputes over clerk qualifications and selection
  • Flexibility concerns: Rigid party composition rules may make it difficult for smaller counties or those with demographic shifts to fill positions, potentially leaving boards understaffed during elections

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

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