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Bill

HB 115

An Act providing for ballot access; and imposing duties on the Department of State.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Seth Grove

Pennsylvania bill HB 115 modifies ballot access rules and assigns new duties to the Department of State, affecting candidate eligibility and election administration.

Referred to State Government
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 115

Legislative bill overview

HB 115 is a Pennsylvania bill that modifies ballot access requirements and assigns new responsibilities to the Department of State. The bill was introduced by Rep. Seth Grove and referred to the State Government Committee on January 14, 2025. Without access to the full text, the specific provisions regarding ballot access changes cannot be detailed here.

Why is this important

Ballot access laws directly affect which candidates and parties can appear on election ballots, influencing voter choice and electoral competition. Changes to these requirements can have significant implications for third parties, independent candidates, and the overall accessibility of Pennsylvania elections. The Department of State oversees election administration, making any new duties assigned to it potentially consequential for election operations statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Ballot access thresholds: Any changes to signature requirements, filing fees, or petition processes for candidates or parties could be contentious, with supporters arguing for accessibility and opponents citing ballot integrity concerns
  • Third-party implications: Modifications might differentially impact major versus minor parties, raising questions about fair electoral competition
  • Administrative burden: New duties imposed on the Department of State could raise concerns about implementation costs, timeline feasibility, and resource allocation

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

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