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Sen. Ward should address critical issue
*Editor's Note: The following message was sent to Senator Ward and several other state senators. It is provided to the Sentinel for publication.
Dear Senator Ward:
The 2019 law that expanded the use of mail and absentee ballots caused a huge increase in these ballots. The positive outcome for that action was increased voter participation. Unfortunately, the new rules also created some unwanted administrative issues.
County election board workers from all over the state, particularly the larger counties, report that the current system is troublesome and that more time is needed to process these ballots. The resulting delays in tabulating returns can prevent a timely and efficient vote count and create voter mistrust. The public wants to know the election results on Election Night - not in one, two or three days later!
It's critical to note that this isn't a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. It's a logistical issue that can be fixed for the betterment of our Commonwealth!
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania issued a statement of support for H.B. 847, calling the need to provide counties the expanded ability to pre-canvass mail-in and absentee ballots a "top priority for counties, especially ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched 2024 presidential
election year."
There are many, many things that Republicans and Democrats disagree on these days. PLEASE, on this one issue where there is clear support from all counties, pass this legislation AS IS and do not hold it hostage by adding other items that will hold it up or cause it to fail.
We want Pennsylvania to be a shining star of efficiency. Please address this critical issue so that our state won't be noted for a delayed vote count and the accompanying criticism and ridicule that come with it.
I am attaching a Scranton Times-Tribune editorial on this matter.
Sincerely,
Mifflin County
Commissioners
Robert Postal,
Kevin Kodish, Noah Wise