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Bill

HB 735

An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; in voting machines, further providing for demonstration of voting machines; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roni Green and 6 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill randomizes candidate order on primary and general ballots to reduce "first position" voting advantage and mandates study on randomization effects.

Referred to State Government
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 735

Legislative bill overview

HB 735 modifies Pennsylvania's election code to change how candidates are ordered on primary and general election ballots, moving from fixed positional arrangements to randomized ballot ordering. The bill also requires a study on ballot order randomization effects and updates voting machine demonstration procedures to reflect these changes.

Why is this important

Ballot position significantly influences voter behavior—candidates listed first typically receive a measurable advantage in votes, particularly from less-informed voters. This bill addresses that structural advantage by randomizing candidate order, potentially creating more equitable electoral conditions. The accompanying study would provide data on whether randomization meaningfully changes election outcomes in Pennsylvania.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation complexity: Randomizing ballots across multiple polling locations and districts creates logistical challenges for election administrators and increased costs for ballot printing
  • Voter confusion: Randomized ordering could confuse voters comparing information across different ballot versions or create accessibility concerns for voters with disabilities relying on consistent ballot layouts
  • Partisan implications: Parties and candidates may perceive randomization as advantaging or disadvantaging their candidates differently depending on historical ballot positioning patterns and campaign strategies built around those positions

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

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