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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Brendan F. Boyle |
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Boyle measure would bring Pa. voting process into 21st century
HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – Citing vast improvements in technology that could make the process of voting faster, more reliable and fraud-proof, state Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Phila./Montgomery, has introduced legislation that would allow citizens to register to vote on election days.
"Our process for registering and voting in Pennsylvania is pretty much as it existed in the 1950s, relying on paperwork, log books and signatures," said Boyle. "It's time for the right to vote to have the advantages that today's technology can offer and do so securely."
Boyle's proposal (H.B. 2210) is modeled after the successful same-day voter registration programs that already exist in nine other states. It would let individuals register at their polling place on Election Day provided they supply specified proof of identification that includes their photo and verifies their name and current address. Once they have verified their identity and filled out a registration form, the voter could cast a provisional ballot that would be counted after validation by the board of elections.
In 2008 the Harvard Law and Policy Review found that states with same-day registration reported no trend toward an increase in voter fraud. Instead, states with same-day voter registration actually experienced a lower incidence of fraud. At the same time, those states with same-day registration experienced voter turnout significantly above the national average.
"The foundation of American democracy is the right to vote. We should be encouraging participation, not maintaining outdated procedures that are obstacles to conveniently exercising that right," said Boyle. "Same-day registration has proven to work and work securely. There's no reason why it should be denied to today's Pennsylvania voters."
The measure has been referred to the House State Government Committee for initial consideration.
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