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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Kevin Murphy |
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Schoolchildren could observe elections under Murphy bill
HARRISBURG, March 16 – The House State Government Committee today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Kevin Murphy that would allow groups of schoolchildren to observe polling places on Election Day.
"Recently, a classroom of elementary school-aged children and their teacher were turned away from observing at a polling place -- as they had done so many times before without opposition -- by a new judge of elections. This may not be an issue everywhere, but unfortunately it has become an issue in my area," said Murphy, D-Lackawanna.
Current law allows parents to take their children into the polling place and to take one child into the voting booth.
Murphy’s bill (H.B. 2299) would add a section to clarify that classroom observance is allowed during off-peak voting hours and for a limited time period.
"By adding my measure to the Pennsylvania Election Code, we continue to encourage our youth to participate and take an interest in the democratic process and to become better citizens," Murphy said.
The legislation goes to the full House for consideration.
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