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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 16, 2021 01:59 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Benjamin V. Sanchez |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Ballot Question Reform |
Our Pennsylvania Constitution is the foundation for our entire system of state government and enumerates our most fundamental rights as residents of the Commonwealth. Amending our state Constitution is an important process that ultimately requires approval by the voters in the form of a ballot question. Currently, ballot questions can be submitted to voters during any election, even those with historically low turnout (e.g., a municipal primary election). This means that only a small percentage of voters make their voices heard in altering our state’s most fundamental document. It is time that we make it so that ballot questions are submitted to and decided upon by as many eligible voters as possible. For this reason, I plan to introduce legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code to require that ballot questions be submitted to voters only during a general election and only every two years when there is a presidential or gubernatorial election. This will ensure that more voters have a say in amending our state Constitution. Democracy works best when everyone participates. This proposed amendment to the Election Code will ensure that the voices of more Pennsylvanians will be heard when it comes to constitutional changes which affect us all. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. |
Introduced as HB2261