WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 785

An Act amending Title 25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 22 co-sponsors

HB 785 adds electronic voter registration to Pennsylvania's system while updating record-keeping procedures and penalties for registration fraud across all counties.

Referred to State Government
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 785

Legislative bill overview

HB 785 modernizes Pennsylvania's voter registration system by establishing electronic voter registration methods alongside existing paper-based systems. The bill also updates procedures for maintaining voter registration records, processing changes to voter information, and enforces penalties for registration tampering.

Why is this important

Electronic voter registration can reduce administrative burdens on election offices, decrease registration errors, and potentially increase voter participation by lowering barriers to registration. However, it also introduces cybersecurity considerations and requires substantial implementation infrastructure that counties must manage.

Potential points of contention

  • Election security vs. accessibility: Concerns about whether electronic systems adequately protect against fraud, hacking, or data breaches versus arguments that digital registration improves accuracy and access
  • County implementation burden: Smaller counties may lack resources to implement and maintain new electronic systems, potentially creating unequal registration experiences across Pennsylvania
  • Voter verification standards: Disagreement over how to authenticate voters electronically and whether current identification requirements are appropriate for online registration versus in-person processes

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

Sign in to ask a question.