An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for peace officers, no police officer to be within one hundred feet of polling place, exceptions and presence of soldiers prohibited; and, in penalties, further providing for police officers at polling places.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Cappelletti and 10 co-sponsors

SB 1357 tightens polling-site security by banning police within 100 feet of polling places (with exceptions) and prohibits soldiers, aiming to shield access and neutrality for vote

Referred to State Government

Bill Summary: SB 1357 (Pennsylvania, 2025-2026)

Purpose and Intent

SB 1357 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to tighten rules around poll access and policing at polling places in the context of primaries and general elections.

The bill is framed under the theme “Protecting Our Vote,” aiming to regulate the presence of peace officers at polling places and address issues related to the proximity of officers and the presence of soldiers.

Key Provisions and Changes

Peace Officers at Polling Places: The bill makes further provisions concerning the use or presence of peace officers at polling places during elections and primaries.

Distance Restriction: It adds or reinforces a rule that no police officer can be within 100 feet of a polling place. This is a tightening or reaffirmation of spatial restrictions intended to safeguard polling place access for voters.

Exceptions: The measure specifies exceptions to the 100-foot prohibition, detailing circumstances under which officers may be present within that distance or otherwise manage security.

Presence of Soldiers Prohibited: The bill prohibits the presence of soldiers at polling places within the defined framework (likely to prevent military personnel from being stationed at or near polling places during elections).

Penalties: The provisions related to penalties for violations by police officers at polling places are expanded or clarified, aligning enforcement with the updated rules about proximity and presence.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Polling Places: The rules directly govern how close officers can be to polling locations and under what conditions they may be present.

Law Enforcement Officers: Peace officers (police) are subject to the new distance and presence rules and associated penalties for noncompliance.

Voters: Voters would benefit from clearer protections around a polling place environment free from officer proximity issues that could impact access or perception of neutrality.

Soldiers/Military Presence: The bill restricts or prohibits the presence of soldiers at polling sites in the specified context.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Referred to the Senate State Government Committee on June 4, 2026.

Sponsors: Lead sponsor Senator Nikil Saval, with multiple Democratic co-sponsors (including Senators Lindsey Williams, Timothy Kearney, Christine Tartaglione, Art Haywood, Carolyn Comitta, Wayne Fontana, Amanda Cappelletti, and Katie Muth).

Next Steps: As a bill in committee, it would need approval from the State Government Committee and then floor consideration by the Senate and potential concurrence or reconciliation with the House (if applicable) before any potential enactment.

Practical Implications

The bill reinforces protections around polling place access by limiting police proximity and restricting military presence, aiming to reduce perceived coercion or intimidation at polling sites.

The clarified penalties provide enforcement teeth to ensure adherence to the proximity rules.

If enacted, election observers, poll workers, and voters may experience a polling-place environment perceived as more neutral and accessible.

Note: This summary reflects the text and status as of the provided bill data. For the latest amendments, committee reports, and enacted provisions, please consult the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s official bill tracker or the latest Senate/House actions.