|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
CONTACT: Stephany Dugan |
State Rep. Ron Buxton |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buxton proposes plan to reform Pa. elections
HARRISBURG, Jan. 18 – State Rep. Ronald Buxton, D-Dauphin, today announced the introduction of legislation that would move Pennsylvania’s primary election date ahead in 2008.
Under the legislation, the primary election date in 2008 would be March 4.
“This bill would significantly increase Pennsylvania’s impact on the outcome of the next presidential primary election,” Buxton said. “I feel this is a common-sense approach to enhancing the effectiveness of each and every vote cast in this state on that day.
“The guidelines of this legislation take the voters’, the candidates’ and the courts’ needs into consideration. It would give Pennsylvania voters a stronger voice at the national level, allow more time to circulate nomination petitions and present court challenges, and meet the federal requirement to send out absentee ballots.”
Buxton noted his legislation would make additional 2008 election deadline changes, including:
· Nov. 13, 2007 – First day to circulate and file nomination petitions.
· Dec. 11, 2007 – Last day to circulate and file nomination petitions.
· Dec. 21, 2007 – Last day to file court challenges to candidates who filed nomination
petitions.
· Jan. 11, 2008 – Last day for courts to rule on challenges or candidate withdrawal.
· Jan. 15, 2008 – Last day of federal 50-day rule to mail absentee ballots.
“These proposed election changes would take effect before the next presidential election,” Buxton said. “Currently, the primary election date in Pennsylvania during the next presidential election year will be the fourth Tuesday in April. I feel shifting that day ahead by nearly two months is a good governance move that would enhance our election system in the Commonwealth.
“A vote is the voice of the voter, and in Pennsylvania, that voice deserves to be heard louder at the national level in primary elections. I intend to make that happen with this legislation.”
###sd/2007/agh
l:\print\releases\electiondates.103