HARRISBURG – The Senate gave near unanimous final approval today to a measure sponsored by Senator Scott Martin (R-13) that would remove an antiquated ballot requirement that increases costs to local taxpayers.
Existing state law requires a separate ballot or a separate column on voting machines when voting for the retention of justices, judges, and justices of the peace. Senate Bill 413 would eliminate this outdated mandate.
The bill was approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Because the measure would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution, an identical bill must be approved during the 2021-22 Legislative Session before the issue is decided by voters via referendum.
“This mandate only makes elections more complicated for voters and more expensive to county taxpayers, and I am thankful that we are one step closer to giving voters the chance to eliminate it once and for all,” Martin said. “The outdated ballot requirement often creates confusion among voters, leading some to accidentally skip those questions entirely.”
CONTACT: Terry Trego (717) 787-6535