"PENNSYLVANIA ELECTION CODE" |
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| Act of Jun. 3, 1937, P.L. 1333, No. 320 | Cl. 25 | |
AN ACT
Concerning elections, including general, municipal, special and primary elections, the nomination of candidates, primary and election expenses and election contests; creating and defining membership of county boards of elections; imposing duties upon the Secretary of the Commonwealth, courts, county boards of elections, county commissioners; imposing penalties for violation of the act, and codifying, revising and consolidating the laws relating thereto; and repealing certain acts and parts of acts relating to elections.
Compiler's Note: Section 508 of Act 223 of 1970 provided that Act 320 is repealed insofar as it is inconsistent with Act 223.
Compiler's Note: Section 14 of Act 185 of 1969 provided that Act 320 is repealed insofar as it relates to the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County, the court of common pleas of the proper county in connection with matters relating to the powers or duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the special court of common pleas established by section 1731 of Act 320.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I. Preliminary Provisions
ARTICLE II. The Secretary of the Commonwealth
ARTICLE III. County Boards of Elections
ARTICLE IV. District Election Officers
ARTICLE V. Election Districts and Polling Places
ARTICLE VI. Dates of Elections and Primaries and Special Elections
ARTICLE VII. Qualifications of Electors
ARTICLE VIII. Party Organization
ARTICLE IX. Nomination of Candidates
ARTICLE XI-A. Electronic Voting Systems
ARTICLE XI-B. Voting Apparatus Bonds
ARTICLE XII. Preparation For and Conduct of Primaries and Elections
ARTICLE XIII. Voting By Qualified Absentee Electors
ARTICLE XIII-A. Voting By Bedridden Or Hospitalized Veterans (Repealed)
ARTICLE XIII-B. Absentee Voting (Repealed)
ARTICLE XIII-C. Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors Advisory Board
ARTICLE XIII-D. Voting by Qualified Mail-in Electors
ARTICLE XIII-E. Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board
ARTICLE XIV. Returns of Primaries and Elections
ARTICLE XVI. Primary and Election Expenses
ARTICLE XVI-A. Election Integrity Grant Program
ARTICLE XVII. Recounts and Contests
ARTICLE XVIII-A. Congressional Districts (Repealed)
ARTICLE XVIII-B. Emergency Provisions For 2020 General Primary Election (Expired)
Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the laws relating to general, municipal, special and primary elections, the nomination of candidates, primary and election expenses and election contests are hereby codified, revised and consolidated as follows:
ARTICLE I
Preliminary Provisions
Section 101. Short Title.--This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the "Pennsylvania Election Code."
Section 102. Definitions.--The following words, when used in this act, shall have the following meanings, unless otherwise clearly apparent from the context:
(a) The word "candidate" shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include both candidates for nomination and election.
(a.1) The word "canvass" shall mean the gathering of ballots after the final pre-canvass meeting and the counting, computing and tallying of the votes reflected on the ballots. ((a.1) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(b) The word "county" shall mean any county of this Commonwealth.
(c) The words "county board" or "board" shall mean the county board of elections of any county herein provided for.
(d) The words "district election board" or "election board" shall mean the election officers required to conduct primaries and elections in any election district in accordance with the provisions of this act.
(e) The words "district register" shall mean the cards containing all or any part of the registry list of qualified electors of the same election district, as prepared by the registration commissions.
(f) The word "election" shall mean any general, municipal, special or primary election, unless otherwise specified.
(g) The words "election district" shall mean a district, division or precinct, established in accordance with the provisions of this act, within which all qualified electors vote at one polling place.
(g.1) The words "election officer" shall include the judge of elections and the majority and minority inspectors elected or appointed by a county board of elections and the clerk or machine inspector appointed by a county board of elections. ((g.1) added Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
(h) The words "general election" shall mean the election which the Constitution of this Commonwealth requires to be held in even-numbered years.
(i) The words "independent nomination" shall mean the selection by an independent political body, in accordance with the provisions of this act, of a candidate for a public office authorized to be voted for at an election.
(j) The words "municipal election" shall mean the election which the Constitution of this Commonwealth requires to be held in odd-numbered years.
(k) The word "nomination" shall mean the selection, in accordance with the provisions of this act, of a candidate for a public office authorized to be voted for at an election.
(l) The words "November election" shall mean either the general or municipal election, or both, according to the context.
(m) The word "oath" shall include affirmation and the word "swear" shall include affirm.
(n) The word "party" shall mean a political party, as defined in section 801 of this act.
(o) The words "party nomination" shall mean the selection by a political party, in accordance with the provisions of this act, of a candidate for a public office authorized to be voted for at an election.
(p) The words "political body" shall mean an independent body of electors, as defined in section 801 of this act.
(q) The words "polling place" shall mean the room provided in each election district for voting at a primary or election.
(q.1) The word "pre-canvass" shall mean the inspection and opening of all envelopes containing official absentee ballots or mail-in ballots, the removal of such ballots from the envelopes and the counting, computing and tallying of the votes reflected on the ballots. The term does not include the recording or publishing of the votes reflected on the ballots. ((q.1) added Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(r) The words "primary" or "primary election" shall mean any election held for the purpose of electing party officers and nominating candidates for public offices to be voted for at an election.
(r.1) "Public institution" means institutions primarily maintained by the Federal, State or local governments and includes but is not limited to veterans' hospitals and homes, State hospitals, poorhouses and county homes. ((r.1) added Dec. 11, 1968, P.L.1183, No.375)
(s) The words "public office" shall include every public office to which persons can be elected by a vote of the electors under the laws of this State.
(t) The words "qualified elector" shall mean any person who shall possess all of the qualifications for voting now or hereafter prescribed by the Constitution of this Commonwealth, or who, being otherwise qualified by continued residence in his election district, shall obtain such qualifications before the next ensuing election.
(u) The words "registered and enrolled member of a political party" shall mean any qualified elector who shall be registered according to political designation, in accordance with the provisions of the registration acts.
(v) The words "special election" shall mean any election other than a regular general, municipal or primary election.
(w) The words "qualified absentee elector" shall mean:
(1) Any qualified elector who is or who may be in the military service of the United States regardless of whether at the time of voting he is present in the election district of his residence or is within or without this Commonwealth and regardless of whether he is registered or enrolled; or
(2) Any qualified elector who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person in the military service of the United States if at the time of voting such spouse or dependent is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(3) Any qualified elector who is or who may be in the service of the Merchant Marine of the United States if at the time of voting he is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(4) Any qualified elector who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person who is in the service of the Merchant Marine of the United States if at the time of voting such spouse or dependent is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(5) Any qualified elector who is or who may be in a religious or welfare group officially attached to and serving with the armed forces if at the time of voting he is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(6) Any qualified elector who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person in a religious or welfare group officially attached to and serving with the armed forces if at the time of voting such spouse or dependent is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(7) Any qualified elector who expects to be or is outside the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia because his duties, occupation or business require him to be elsewhere during the entire period the polls are open for voting on the day of any primary or election or who is or who may be a civilian employee of the United States outside the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia, whether or not such elector is subject to civil-service laws and the Classification Act of 1949 and whether or not paid from funds appropriated by the Congress, if at the time of voting he is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(8) Any qualified elector who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person who expects to be or is outside the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia because his duties, occupation or business require him to be elsewhere during the entire period the polls are open for voting on the day of any primary or election or who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person who is a civilian employee of the United States outside the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia whether or not such person is subject to civil-service laws and the Classification Act of 1949 and whether or not paid from funds appropriated by the Congress if at the time of voting such spouse or dependent is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(9) Any qualified war veteran elector who is bedridden or hospitalized due to illness or physical disability if he is absent from the municipality of his residence and unable to attend his polling place because of such illness or physical disability regardless of whether he is registered and enrolled; or
(10) Any qualified, registered and enrolled elector who expects to be or is absent from the municipality of his residence because his duties, occupation or business require him to be elsewhere during the entire period the polls are open for voting on the day of any primary or election; or
(11) Any qualified, registered and enrolled elector who is unable to attend his polling place because of illness or physical disability; or
(12) Any qualified, registered and enrolled elector who is a spouse or dependent accompanying a person employed in the service of this Commonwealth or in the service of the Federal Government within the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia in the event the duties, profession or occupation of such person require him to be absent from the municipality of his residence; or
(13) Any qualified elector who is a county employe who cannot vote due to duties on election day relating to the conduct of the election; or
(14) Any qualified elector who will not attend a polling place because of the observance of a religious holiday:
Provided, however, That the words "qualified absentee elector" shall in nowise be construed to include persons confined in a penal institution or a mental institution nor shall it in anywise be construed to include a person not otherwise qualified as a qualified elector in accordance with the definition set forth in section 102(t) of this act.
((w) amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
(x) The words "members of the Merchant Marine of the United States" mean persons (other than persons in military service) employed as officers or members of crews of vessels documented under the laws of the United States or of vessels owned by the United States or of vessels of foreign flag registry under charter to or control of the United States, and persons (other than persons in military service) enrolled with the United States for employment or for training for employment or maintained by the United States for emergency relief service as officers or members of crews of any such vessels, but does not include persons so employed or enrolled for such employment or for training for employment or maintained for such emergency relief on the Great Lakes or the Inland waterways. ((x) added Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
(y) The word "dependent" means any person who is in fact a dependent. ((y) added Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
(z) The words "person authorized to administer oaths" shall mean any person who is a commissioned officer in military service or any member of the Merchant Marine of the United States designated for this purpose by the United States Secretary of Commerce or any civilian official empowered by any State or Federal law to administer oaths. ((z) added Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
(z-1) The words "in military service" shall mean the uniformed services as defined in section 102 of the Career Compensation Act of 1949 (63 Stat. 804 U.S. Code, Title 37, Par. 231). ((z-1) added Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
(z-2) ((z-2) repealed Dec. 11, 1968, P.L.1183, No.375)
(z-3) The words "duties, occupation or business" shall include leaves of absence for teaching or education, vacations, sabbatical leaves, and all other absences associated with the elector's duties, occupation or business, and also include an elector's spouse who accompanies the elector. ((z-3) added Dec. 11, 1968, P.L.1183, No.375)
(z.4) The word "municipality" shall mean a city, borough, incorporated town, township or any similar general purpose unit of government which may be created by the General Assembly. ((z.4) added Feb 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
(z.5) The words "proof of identification" shall mean:
(1) In the case of an elector who has a religious objection to being photographed, a valid-without-photo driver's license or a valid-without-photo identification card issued by the Department of Transportation.
(2) For an elector who appears to vote under section 1210, a document that:
(i) shows the name of the individual to whom the document was issued and the name substantially conforms to the name of the individual as it appears in the district register;
(ii) shows a photograph of the individual to whom the document was issued;
(iii) includes an expiration date and is not expired, except:
(A) for a document issued by the Department of Transportation which is not more than twelve (12) months past the expiration date; or
(B) in the case of a document from an agency of the Armed forces of the United States or their reserve components, including the Pennsylvania National Guard, establishing that the elector is a current member of or a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard which does not designate a specific date on which the document expires, but includes a designation that the expiration date is indefinite; and
(iv) was issued by one of the following:
(A) The United States Government.
(B) The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(C) A municipality of this Commonwealth to an employee of that municipality.
(D) An accredited Pennsylvania public or private institution of higher learning.
(E) A Pennsylvania care facility.
(3) For a qualified absentee elector under section 1301 or a qualified mail-in elector under section 1301-D:
(i) in the case of an elector who has been issued a current and valid driver's license, the elector's driver's license number;
(ii) in the case of an elector who has not been issued a current and valid driver's license, the last four digits of the elector's Social Security number;
(iii) in the case of an elector who has a religious objection to being photographed, a copy of a document that satisfies paragraph (1); or
(iv) in the case of an elector who has not been issued a current and valid driver's license or Social Security number, a copy of a document that satisfies paragraph (2).
((3) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
((z.5) added Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(z.6) The words "qualified mail-in elector" shall mean a qualified elector. The term does not include a person specifically prohibited from being a qualified absentee elector under section 1301. ((z.6) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(102 amended Aug. 1, 1941, P.L.672, No.273)
Compiler's Note: See sections 10 and 11 of Act 18 of 2012 in the appendix to this act for special provisions relating to application of law.
Section 103. Construction.--(a) The provisions of this act are severable, and if any article, section or clause of this act, or part thereof, is held to be unconstitutional, the decision shall not be construed to affect or invalidate any other provisions of this act, or the act as a whole. It is hereby declared as the legislative intent that this act would have been adopted had such unconstitutional provision not been included therein.
(b) The provisions of this act, so far as they are the same as those of existing laws, are intended as a continuation of such laws, and not as new enactments. The repeal by this act of any act of Assembly, or part thereof, shall not revive any act, or part thereof, heretofore repealed or superseded. The provisions of this act shall not affect any act done, liability or penalty incurred, right accrued or vested, or nomination made prior to the taking effect of this act, nor shall they affect any suit of prosecution then pending or to be instituted to enforce any right or penalty then accrued or to punish any offense theretofore committed. Any person holding office under any act of Assembly repealed by this act shall continue to hold such office until the expiration of the term thereof, subject to the conditions attached to such office prior to the passage of this act.
(c) Whenever in this act reference is made to any other act by title, such reference shall be construed to apply to, and include any codification or other act of Assembly wherein the provisions of the act referred to are substantially re-enacted.
(d) Whenever the masculine gender is used in this act, it shall be construed to include the feminine.
(e) In determining or reckoning any period of time mentioned in this act, the day upon which the act is done, paper filed, or notice given, shall be excluded from, and the date of the primary, election, hearing or other subsequent event, as the case may be, shall be included in the calculation or reckoning: Provided, however, That if the last day upon which any act may be done, paper filed, or notice given, shall fall on a Sunday or a legal holiday, the next following ordinary business day shall be considered as the last day for said purpose.
Section 104. Acts Done on Legal Holidays and Sundays.--No part of any day fixed for the performance of any duties by any person or official under this act shall be deemed a Sunday or a legal holiday so as to affect the legality of any work done for the purpose of carrying out the provisions hereof, or the right of any person to any compensation provided for herein for rendering any service required hereby, or so as to relieve any person from doing on such day whatever is necessary for such purposes, and such services are hereby declared to be necessary public services.
Section 105. Effective Date.--Except as otherwise provided herein, this act shall be in force and take effect from and after its final enactment.
Section 106. Publication of Notices.--Whenever under the provisions of this act notice is required to be given by newspaper publication in any county or in any municipal subdivision thereof, such notice shall be published in at least two and not more than three newspapers of general circulation as defined in the "Newspaper Advertising Act," approved May 16, 1929 (Pamphlet Laws 1784). At least one of said newspapers shall represent the majority party, and at least one shall represent the minority party, if there be that many published within the limits of such county or municipal subdivision. If there are not two such newspapers, then publication shall be made in at least either one newspaper of general circulation representing the majority party or at least one newspaper of general circulation representing the minority party, whichever is published in such county, and at least one newspaper of general circulation representing the other party published in an adjacent county and circulating in such county or municipal subdivision in which such notice is required to be published: Provided, however, That if in any such county, or in any municipal subdivision thereof, there are at least three newspapers of general circulation published within the limits of such county or municipal subdivision, the foregoing provisions if this section shall be deemed complied with if publication shall be made in all of the said newspapers in the county or municipal subdivision, notwithstanding that all such newspapers may represent either the majority party or the minority party. Whenever such notice relates to any matter or proceeding in court or to the sale of bonds or increase of indebtedness, the same shall also be published in the legal newspaper, if any, in the proper county, provided publication can be made therein on the same day or days as publication is made in newspapers of general circulation.
(106 amended June 28, 1947, P.L.1057, No.452)
Section 107. Public Funding of Elections.--(a) The cost and expense to State and local governments relating to the registration of voters and the preparation, administration and conduct of elections in this Commonwealth shall be funded only upon lawful appropriation of the Federal, State and local governments, and the source of funding shall be limited to money derived from taxes, fees and other sources of public revenue.
(b) State and local governments, including their public officers, public officials, employees and agents, acting in their official capacity, may not solicit, apply for, enter into a contract for or receive or expend gifts, donations, grants or funding from any individual, business, organization, trust, foundation, or any nongovernmental entity for the registration of voters or the preparation, administration or conducting of an election in this Commonwealth.
(c) This section shall not be construed to apply to the collection of fees authorized by law or to the donation or use of:
(1) a location for voting purposes;
(2) services that are provided without remuneration; or
(3) goods that have a nominal value of less than one hundred ($100) dollars.
(107 added July 11, 2022, P.L.1577, No.88)
ARTICLE II
The Secretary of the Commonwealth
Section 201. Powers and Duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.--The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall exercise in the manner provided by this act all powers granted to him by this act, and shall perform all the duties imposed upon him by this act, which shall include the following:
(a) To determine, in accordance with the provisions of this act, the forms of nomination petitions and papers, expense accounts and all other forms and records, the form of which he is required to determine under the provisions of this act.
(b) To examine and reexamine voting machines, and to approve or disapprove them for use in this State, in accordance with the provisions of this act. The secretary shall not approve any voting machine for any election, Federal or State, in this Commonwealth, that does not comply with the requirements of section 301 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-252, 42 U.S.C. § 15481). ((b) amended July 14, 2009, P.L.86, No.20)
(c) To certify to county boards of elections for primaries and elections the names of the candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States, presidential electors, United States senators, representatives in Congress and all State offices, including senators, representatives, and judges of all courts of record, and delegates and alternate delegates to National Conventions, and members of State committees, and the form and wording of constitutional amendments or other questions to be submitted to the electors of the State at large.
(d) To receive and determine, as hereinafter provided, the sufficiency of nomination petitions, certificates and papers of candidates for President of the United States, presidential electors, United States senators, representatives in Congress and all State offices, including senators, representatives and judges of all courts of record, and delegates and alternate delegates to National Conventions and members of State committees.
(e) To receive such reports from county boards of elections as are required by this act, and to demand such additional reports on special matters as he may deem necessary.
(e.1) To receive from county boards of elections information on voting system errors or difficulties or other election data pursuant to regulation.
(f) To receive from county boards of elections the returns of primaries and elections, to canvass and compute the votes cast for candidates and upon questions as required by the provisions of this act; to proclaim the results of such primaries and elections, and to issue certificates of election to the successful candidates at such elections, except in cases where that duty is imposed by law on another officer or board.
(f.1) To develop a voluntary professional certification and poll worker training program for county election officials in consultation with county boards of elections.
(f.2) To order a county board to conduct a recount or recanvass of an election under section 1404 for a public office which appears on the ballot in every election district in this Commonwealth or for a ballot question which appears on the ballot in every election district in this Commonwealth.
(g) To perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law.
(h) To establish a system for the remedy of complaints regarding the administration of the provisions of Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-252, 42 U.S.C. § 15481 et seq.).
(201 amended Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
Section 201.1. Explanation of Ballot Question.--Whenever a proposed constitutional amendment or other State-wide ballot question shall be submitted to the electors of the Commonwealth in referendum, the Attorney General shall prepare a statement in plain English which indicates the purpose, limitations and effects of the ballot question on the people of the Commonwealth. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall include such statement in his publication of a proposed constitutional amendment as required by Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall certify such statement to the county boards of elections who shall publish such statement as a part of the notice of elections required by section 1201 or any other provision of this act. The county board of elections shall also require that at least three copies of such statement be posted in or about the voting room outside the enclosed space with the specimen ballots and other instructions and notices of penalties. In election questions which affect only one county or portion thereof, the county board of elections shall fulfill these requirements in the place of the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
(201.1 added Feb. 19, 1986, P.L.29, No.11)
Section 202. Records and Documents to Be Open to Public Inspection.--The records of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and all returns, nomination petitions, certificates and papers, other petitions, accounts, contracts, reports and other documents and records in his custody shall be open to public inspection, and may be inspected and copied by any qualified elector of the State during ordinary business hours at any time when they are not necessarily being used by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, or his deputy or employes having duties to perform in reference thereto: Provided, however, That such public inspection thereof shall only be in the presence of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, or his deputy or one of his authorized employes, and shall be subject to proper regulation for safekeeping of the records and documents, and subject to the further provisions of this act.
Section 203. Preservation of Records.--All documents and records in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall be preserved therein for a period of two years, unless otherwise provided in this act.
Section 204. Voting Standards Development Board.--(a) There is hereby established within the Department of State a Voting Standards Development Board comprised of seven members for the purpose of developing uniform and nondiscriminatory standards that define what constitutes a vote.
(b) The board shall be comprised of the following members:
(1) The Secretary of the Commonwealth or his designee.
(2) Two county directors of election appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, one of whom shall be from a county in which votes are cast on paper ballots.
(3) One county director of elections appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, who shall be from a county in which votes are cast on punch card voting systems.
(4) Two county directors of election appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one of whom shall be from a county in which votes are cast on direct recording electronic voting systems.
(5) One county director of elections appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, who shall be from a county in which votes are cast on optical scan voting systems.
(c) The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall serve as chair of the board. Each member shall serve until the expiration of his term. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(d) The board shall meet as needed to fulfill the requirements of this section.
(e) Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum, and an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the board is required for the issuance of standards in accordance with subsection (h).
(f) The board may establish any rules necessary for its operation, consistent with the provisions of subsection (e).
(g) The members of the board shall receive no compensation for their services on the board but shall be reimbursed by the department for ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
(h) (1) The board shall have the power and duty to develop uniform and nondiscriminatory standards that define what constitutes a valid vote cast through a paper ballot and what constitutes a valid vote through each type of electronic voting system used in the Commonwealth. On or before July 1, 2003, the board shall adopt standards for paper ballots and each type of electronic voting system. The department shall cause these standards to be published as a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(2) The standards adopted by the board and published by the Department of State in the Pennsylvania Bulletin Volume 33 Number 31 on August 2, 2003, shall have the force and effect of law until such time as a category of voting system, other than the paper ballot or electronic voting system as defined in section 1101-A, is approved by the secretary for use in this Commonwealth under section 201(b). The secretary shall publish the approval as a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
((h) amended May 15, 2013, P.L.25, No.6)
(204 added Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Compiler's Note: Section 16 of Act 45 of 2006 provided that the amendment of section 204(h) shall take effect immediately.
Section 205. State Plan Advisory Board.--(a) There is hereby established within the Department of State a State Plan Advisory Board comprised of fifteen members for the purpose of advising the Secretary of the Commonwealth on the development of the State Plan required by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-252, 42 U.S.C. § 15301 et seq.).
(b) The board shall be comprised of the following members:
(1) One director of elections from a county of the first class.
(2) One director of elections from a county of the second class.
(3) The chairperson of the political party with the highest number of registered voters in the Commonwealth.
(4) The chairperson of the political party with the second highest number of registered voters in the Commonwealth.
(5) Eleven members appointed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth as follows:
(i) Seven directors of elections, one from a county of the second class A and one each from a county of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth class.
(ii) One representative of an organization of disabled Pennsylvania veterans.
(iii) One representative of an organization of blind and visually impaired Pennsylvanians.
(iv) Two representatives of the public at large, who shall be registered electors of the Commonwealth.
(c) The board shall elect a chairman from among its members. Each member appointed by the secretary shall serve for a term of five years. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(d) The board shall meet as needed to fulfill the requirements of this section.
(e) Eight members of the board shall constitute a quorum. A vote of the majority of the members of the board is required for the issuance of recommendations in accordance with subsection (h).
(f) The board may establish any rules necessary for its operation consistent with the provisions of subsection (e).
(g) The members of the board shall receive no compensation for their services on the board but shall be reimbursed by the department for ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
(h) The board shall have the power and duty to advise the Secretary of the Commonwealth on the development of the State Plan, which the secretary must develop and submit to the Federal Election Assistance Commission in accordance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The board shall make recommendations on all aspects of the State Plan described in section 254 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
(205 added Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 206. Requirements Relating to Voter Identification.--(a) The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall prepare and disseminate information to the public regarding the proof of identification requirements established under sections 1210 and 1302.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of 75 Pa.C.S. § 1510(b) (relating to issuance and content of driver's license) to the contrary, the Department of Transportation shall issue an identification card described in 75 Pa.C.S. § 1510(b) at no cost to any registered elector who has made application therefor and has included with the completed application a statement signed by the elector declaring under oath or affirmation that the elector does not possess proof of identification as defined in section 102(z.5)(2) and requires proof of identification for voting purposes.
(c) The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall prepare the form of the statement described in subsection (b) and shall distribute the form to the counties and the Department of Transportation. The Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Secretary of Transportation and the county boards of election shall disseminate information to the public regarding the availability of identification cards under subsection (b).
(206 added Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
Compiler's Note: See sections 10 and 11 of Act 18 of 2012 in the appendix to this act for special provisions relating to application of law.
Section 207. Requirements for Disapproval or Decertification of Voting Apparatuses.--(a) The Commonwealth may not disapprove or decertify a voting apparatus in 50% or more counties until the requirements of this section have been met.
(b) If the Commonwealth intends to make a disapproval or decertification under subsection (a), the Department of State must submit a written plan to the President pro tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Appropriations Committee of the Senate, the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, the State Government Committee of the Senate and the State Government Committee of the House of Representatives at least 180 days prior to the effective date of the replacement voting apparatuses, containing all of the following information:
(1) The reason for the disapproval or decertification.
(2) The estimated cost to replace the disapproved or decertified voting apparatus and the plan for how funding will be obtained to cover the estimated cost.
(3) A plan for replacing the disapproved or decertified voting apparatus.
(4) The effective date of the replacement voting apparatus.
(c) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Electronic voting system" shall have the meaning given to the term in section 1101-A.
"Voting apparatus" shall mean a kind or type of electronic voting system that received the approval of the Secretary of the Commonwealth under section 1105-A.
(207 added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 208. Census Outreach.--The Department of State may utilize up to $4,000,000 of funds not expended, encumbered or committed from appropriations from the General Fund for a fiscal year ending before July 1, 2020, for an executive branch agency, which is subject to the policy, supervision and control of the Governor, for communication, administration and assistance within each county of the Commonwealth for the purpose of ensuring a complete and accurate census count of the Commonwealth in the 2020 Federal decennial census. The funds shall be transferred by the Secretary of the Budget to a restricted account as necessary to make payments under this section and, when transferred, are hereby appropriated to carry out the provisions of this section. The Secretary of the Budget may make a transfer of funds if the transfer will not result in a deficit in an appropriation from which funds are transferred. The Secretary of the Budget shall provide at least 10 days prior notification of a transfer to the chair and minority chair of the Appropriations Committee of the Senate and the chair and minority chair of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives.
(208 added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
ARTICLE III
County Boards of Elections
Section 301. County Boards of Elections; Membership.--
(a) There shall be a county board of elections in and for each county of this Commonwealth, which shall have jurisdiction over the conduct of primaries and elections in such county, in accordance with the provisions of this act.
(b) In each county of the Commonwealth, the county board of elections shall consist of the county commissioners of such county ex officio, or any officials or board who are performing or may perform the duties of the county commissioners, who shall serve without additional compensation as such. Except in counties of the first class, in counties which have adopted home rule charters or optional plans the board of elections shall consist of the members of the county body which performs legislative functions unless the county charter or optional plan provides for the appointment of the board of elections. In either case, there shall be minority representation on the board. The county body which performs legislative functions shall in the case where the board does not contain minority representation appoint such representation from a list submitted by the county chairman of the minority party.
(c) Whenever a member of the board of county commissioners is a candidate for nomination or election to any public office, the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas shall appoint a judge or an elector of the county to serve in his stead. Whenever there appears on the ballot a question relating to the adoption of a Home Rule Charter for the county or amendments to an existing county Home Rule Charter, the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas shall appoint judges or electors of the county to serve in the stead of the county commissioners. Appointees who are not currently elected office holders shall receive compensation for such service as determined by the salary board plus mileage as specified by the county for expenses incurred when performing election board business. ((c) amended June 10, 1982, P.L.458, No.135)
(301 amended July 21, 1979, P.L.189, No.63)
Section 302. Powers and Duties of County Boards.--The county boards of elections, within their respective counties, shall exercise, in the manner provided by this act, all powers granted to them by this act, and shall perform all the duties imposed upon them by this act, which shall include the following:
(a) To investigate and report to the court of quarter sessions their recommendations on all petitions presented to the court by electors for the division, redivision, alteration, change or consolidation of election districts, and to present to the court petitions for the division, redivision, alteration, change or consolidation of election districts in proper cases.
(b) To select and equip polling places that meet the requirements of this act. ((b) amended May 12, 2006, P.L.178, No.45)
(c) To purchase, preserve, store and maintain primary and election equipment of all kinds, including voting booths, ballot boxes and voting machines, and to procure ballots and all other supplies for elections.
(d) To appoint their own employes, voting machine custodians, and machine inspectors.
(e) To issue certificates of appointment to watchers at primaries and elections.
(f) To make and issue such rules, regulations and instructions, not inconsistent with law, as they may deem necessary for the guidance of voting machine custodians, elections officers and electors.
(g) To instruct election officers in their duties, calling them together in meeting whenever deemed advisable, and to inspect systematically and thoroughly the conduct of primaries and elections in the several election districts of the county to the end that primaries and elections may be honestly, efficiently, and uniformly conducted.
(h) To prepare and publish, in the manner provided by this act, all notices and advertisements in connection with the conduct of primaries and elections, which may be required by law.
(i) To investigate election frauds, irregularities and violations of this act, and to report all suspicious circumstances to the district attorney.
(j) To receive and determine, as hereinafter provided, the sufficiency of nomination petitions, certificates and papers of candidates for county, city, borough, township, ward, school district, poor district, election offices, and local party offices required by law or by party rules to be filed with the board.
(k) To receive from district election officers the returns of all primaries and elections, to canvass and compute the same, and to certify, no later than the third Monday following the primary or election, the results thereof to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as may be provided by law, and to such other authorities as may be provided by law. The certification shall include the number of votes received in each election district by each candidate for the General Assembly.
(l) To publicly announce by posting at its office the results of primaries and elections for county, city, borough, township, ward, school district, poor district, election offices, and party offices, if any; to provide the results to the Secretary of the Commonwealth; and to issue certificates of election to the successful candidates for said offices.
(m) To prepare and submit, not later than five days prior to each primary, municipal and general election, a report to the Secretary of the Commonwealth in the form prescribed by him, which shall contain a statement of the total number of electors registered in each election district, together with a breakdown of registration by each political party or other designation. Copies of said statement shall be furnished, upon request, to the county chairman of each political party and political body. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall forthwith submit such information to the Legislative Data Processing Center and shall publicly report the total number of registered electors for each political party or other designation in each county prior to election day. ((m) amended July 11, 2022, P.L.1577, No.88)
(n) To annually prepare and submit to the county commissioners or other appropriating authorities of the county an estimate of the cost of primaries and elections and of the expenses of the board for the ensuing fiscal year.
(o) To perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law.
(p) A county board of elections shall not pay compensation to a judge of elections who wilfully fails to deliver by two o'clock A. M. on the day following the election envelopes; supplies, including all uncast provisional ballots; and returns, including all provisional ballots cast in the election district and statements signed under sections 1306 and 1302-D. ((p) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(302 amended Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
Section 303. Decisions by Majority Vote; Employes.--
(a) All actions of a county board shall be decided by a majority vote of all the members, except as may be otherwise provided herein.
(b) Each county board may appoint a chief clerk, who shall have authority to administer oaths and to sign vouchers, and such other employes and assistants as, from time to time, the board may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. The county board may appoint the chief clerk and other employes of the county commissioners to act as such for the county board of elections without any additional compensation as such.
Section 304. Regulations; Subpoenas; Witnesses; Fees.--
(a) Each county board of elections may make regulations, not inconsistent with this act or the laws of this Commonwealth, to govern its public sessions, and may issue subpoenas, summon witnesses, compel production of books, papers, records and other evidence, and fix the time and place for hearing any matters relating to the administration and conduct of primaries and elections in the county under the provisions of this act. All subpoenas issued by the county board shall be in substantially the same form and shall have the same force and effect as subpoenas issued by the court of common pleas of such county, and, upon application, the board shall be entitled to the benefit of the process of such court if necessary to enforce any subpoena issued by them. Each member of the county board shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations. Each person testifying before any county board shall be first duly sworn or affirmed.
(b) Any person filing any petition with a county board or opposing the same shall have the privilege of having subpoenas issued by the board to compel the attendance of witnesses, upon condition that all witnesses so subpoenaed shall be paid witness fees, in the manner herein provided. ((b) repealed in part Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
(c) Witnesses subpoenaed by the county board shall each also be entitled to daily witness fees at the rate aforesaid, to be paid by the board: Provided, however, That election officers, clerks, machine inspectors, overseers and watchers, when subpoenaed by the county board to appear before the board, sitting for the computation and canvassing of votes cast at an election, shall not be entitled to witness fees.
(d) No subpoena shall be issued for the benefit of any person other than the county board until he shall have paid the board a fee of twenty-five (.25) cents for issuing the same and deposited with the board one day's witness fees for each witness to be summoned thereby, whose names shall be given to the board and entered by it in such subpoena and among its records, and no such subpoena shall be effective to require the further attendance of any witness after the day mentioned therein, unless the hearing be postponed or continued by the board, and unless, before four o'clock P. M. of said day, the person for whose benefit it be issued shall have deposited with the board an additional day's witness fees for each witness whose further attendance is desired. As soon as convenient after any hearing is concluded, postponed or continued on any day, the county board shall disburse the fees deposited with it by any persons aforesaid, among those witnesses who have appeared in response to subpoenas issued as aforesaid, and shall return to the person who deposited the same any fees deposited for others who did not attend, and shall also pay like fees to any witnesses summoned by the board as aforesaid, taking their receipts therefor, so long as there are sufficient funds available for such payments. The county board shall pay over to the county treasurer all fees received for subpoenas.
Section 305. Expenses of County Boards and of Primaries and Elections to Be Paid by County; Expenses of Special Elections; Boards to Be Provided with Offices.--
(a) The county commissioners or other appropriating authorities of the county shall appropriate annually, and from time to time, to the county board of elections of such county, the funds that shall be necessary for the maintenance and operation of the board and for the conduct of primaries and elections in such county, including the payment of the compensation of the employes of the board, custodians, election officers, and other assistants and employes herein provided for, and the fees of witnesses as herein provided; for the purchase or printing, under contracts made by the board, of all ballots and other primary and election supplies required by this act, or which the board shall consider necessary to carry out the provisions of this act; for the purchase, under contracts made by the board, and maintenance, of voting machines, when adopted as herein provided, and of all other primary and election equipment required by this act, or which the board shall consider necessary to carry out the provisions of this act; for the publication of notices authorized by this act, under contracts made by the board, and for all other necessary expenses hereunder: Provided, however, That bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, payable not later than thirty years from their dates of issuance, may be issued by the county commissioners or other appropriating authorities of the county in accordance with the provisions of law relating to the increase of indebtedness of such county, to meet all or any part of the cost of voting machines.
1. The county shall be liable for the expenses of holding special elections for any city, borough, township, school district or other municipality or incorporated district contained therein, which is held on the day of any general, municipal or primary election, and on any special question which is required by law to be, or which is, at the discretion of the county board, as hereinafter provided, printed on the regular ballot after the list of the candidates, or on the same voting machine as the list of candidates.
2. Any city, borough, township, school district or other municipality or incorporated district contained in any county, holding a special election, as authorized by law, on the question of increase of indebtedness or any other question to be voted on by the electors of such subdivision, which special election is held on the day of any general, municipal or primary election and which is required by law to be conducted or at the discretion of the county board, as hereinafter provided, is conducted by special ballots for such question, shall be liable to the county for the expenses necessarily incurred in the printing of such special ballots.
3. If any other day than the day of any general, municipal or primary election be fixed by the corporate authorities of any municipality, school district or incorporated district for the holding of a special election on the question of increase of indebtedness or any other question, as authorized by law, such municipality, school district or incorporated district shall be liable for and pay the entire expense of holding such election, including the cost of printing ballots and supplies, pay of election officers, the rental of polling places, and the cost of canvassing and computing the votes cast.
4. The Department of State shall reimburse county boards of election for those additional costs incurred by the county for any special election held to fill a vacancy in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Only those costs which are attributable solely to the special election shall be reimbursed. Reimbursement shall not be denied because the special election is held on the same day as a general, municipal or primary election if the county can show that additional costs were incurred attributable solely to the special election. The Governor may, from time to time, allocate to the Department of State as much money from the General Fund as he deems necessary to permit the department to reimburse the counties for costs incurred in the special elections.
((a) amended May 5, 1982, P.L.374, No.108)
(b) The county commissioners or other appropriating authorities of the county shall provide the county board with suitable and adequate offices at the county seat, properly furnished for keeping its records, holding its public sessions and otherwise performing its public duties, and shall also provide such branch offices for the board in cities other than the county seat, as may be necessary.
(c) The Commonwealth shall reimburse each city of the first class and county for election expenses incurred in and incidental to preparing, handling, mailing, delivering, counting and storing official absentee ballots requested by any elector in military service, Federal employment overseas, Merchant Marine, and in any religious group or welfare agency assisting the Armed Forces, including spouses and dependents, and bedridden and hospitalized veterans as herein provided in the sum of sixty cents (60¢) for each such ballot mailed or delivered.
Each county board of elections shall file in the Department of State, not later than thirty days after every election, on a form prescribed by the Department of State, a statement of the number of ballots mailed or delivered in such manner as is now or may hereafter be provided by law to electors in actual military service, Federal employment overseas, Merchant Marine, and in any religious group or welfare agency assisting the Armed Forces, including spouses and dependents, and to bedridden or hospitalized veterans.
The Department of State shall ascertain and fix the amount due, as herein provided, to each city of the first class and county for election expenses incurred, and by requisition in the usual course shall provide for payment of such amounts so found due from moneys appropriated to the Department of State for such purpose, or shall prorate the moneys so appropriated among the several cities of the first class and counties to be reimbursed, if the amount so appropriated shall not be sufficient for the payment in full to each city of the first class and county of the amount found to be due.
((c) amended Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.681, No.169)
(305 amended Aug. 1, 1941, P.L.672, No.273)
Section 306. Counsel; Compensation; Duties.--The county solicitor shall serve as counsel for the county board in the several counties of the Commonwealth, and shall receive no compensation therefor in addition to his compensation as county solicitor. Such counsel shall advise the county board, from time to time, regarding its powers and duties, and the rights of candidates and electors, and concerning the best methods of legal procedure for carrying out the various provisions of this act, and shall appear for and represent the county board on all appeals taken from its decisions or orders to the court of common pleas, as herein provided.
Section 307. Acts of Employes.--The amending of any records by any employe of any county board of elections by order of such board shall be construed to have been done by the board itself, which shall likewise be responsible for the correction of any errors in the doing thereof.
Section 308. Records and Documents to Be Open to Public Inspection; Proviso.--The records of each county board of elections, general and duplicate returns, tally papers, affidavits of voters and others, nomination petitions, certificates and papers, other petitions, appeals, witness lists, accounts, contracts, reports and other documents and records in its custody, except the contents of ballot boxes and voting machines and records of assisted voters, shall be open to public inspection, except as herein provided, and may be inspected and copied by any qualified elector of the county during ordinary business hours, at any time when they are not necessarily being used by the board, or its employes having duties to perform thereto: Provided, however, That such public inspection thereof shall only be in the presence of a member or authorized employe of the county board, and shall be subject to proper regulation for safekeeping of the records and documents, and subject to the further provisions of this act: And provided further, That general and duplicate returns, tally papers, affidavits of voters and others, and all other papers required to be returned by the election officers to the county board sealed, shall be open to public inspection only after the county board shall, in the course of the computation and canvassing of the returns, have broken such seals and finished, for the time, their use of said papers in connection with such computation and canvassing.
Section 309. Preservation of Records.--All documents, papers and records in the office of the county board of elections of each county shall be preserved therein for a period of at least eleven (11) months, and all official ballots and the contents of ballot boxes shall be preserved therein for a period of at least four (4) months; in the event the county board has been notified in writing by the district attorney of the county, or by a judge of a court of record, to preserve said papers or contents of ballot boxes for a longer period of time, for the purposes of pending prosecution or litigation, said records shall be preserved accordingly.
(309 amended July 14, 1961, P.L.648, No.334)
Section 310. Watchers or Attorneys at Sessions of County Board; Candidates May Be Present.--
(a) Any party or political body or body of citizens which now is, or hereafter may be, entitled to have watchers at any registration, primary or election, shall also be entitled to appoint watchers who are qualified electors of the county or attorneys to represent such party or political body or body of citizens at any public session or sessions of the county board of elections, and at any computation and canvassing of returns of any primary or election and recount of ballots or recanvass of voting machines under the provisions of this act. Such watchers or attorneys may exercise the same rights as watchers at registration and polling places, but the number who may be present at any one time may be limited by the county board to not more than three for each party, political body or body of citizens.
(b) Every candidate shall be entitled to be present in person or by attorney in fact duly authorized, and to participate in any proceeding before any county board whenever any matters which may affect his candidacy are being heard, including any computation and canvassing of returns of any primary or election or recount of ballots or recanvass of voting machines affecting his candidacy.
(c) Any candidate, attorney or watcher present at any recount of ballots or recanvass of voting machines shall be entitled to examine the ballots or the voting machine and to raise any objections regarding the same, which shall be decided by the county board, subject to appeal, in the manner provided by this act.
Section 311. Immunity from Arrest.--Members of county boards of elections, and custodians of voting machines shall be privileged from arrest while performing their duties as such under this act, except upon warrant of a court of record or judge thereof, for felony, for wanton breach of the peace or for a criminal violation of this act.
Section 312. Intervention in Suits.--(312 repealed Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
ARTICLE IV
District Election Officers
Section 401. District Election Boards; Election.--All primaries and elections shall be conducted in each election district by a district election board consisting of a judge of election, a majority inspector of election and a minority inspector of election, assisted by clerks and machine inspectors in certain cases, as hereinafter provided. The judge and inspectors of election of each election district shall be elected by the electors thereof at the municipal election, and shall hold office for a term of four years from the first Monday of January next succeeding their election. Each elector may vote for one person as judge and for one person as inspector, and the person receiving the highest number of votes for judge shall be declared elected judge of election, the person receiving the highest number of votes for inspector shall be declared elected majority inspector of election, and the person receiving the second highest number of votes for inspector shall be declared elected minority inspector of election.
(401 amended Feb. 10, 1956, P.L.1019, No.319)
Section 402. Qualifications of Election Officers.-- (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), election officers shall be qualified registered electors of the district in which they are elected or appointed. No person shall be qualified to serve as an election officer who shall hold, or shall within two months have held, any office, appointment or employment in or under the Government of the United States or of this State or of any city or county or poor district, of any municipal board, commission or trust in any city, save only district justices, notaries public and persons in the militia service of the State; nor shall any election officer be eligible to any civil office to be voted for at a primary or election at which he shall serve, except that of an election officer.
(b) The county board may appoint students notwithstanding their eligibility to vote to serve as a clerk or machine inspector pursuant to the following:
(1) The county board may appoint no more than two students per precinct.
(2) The judge of elections shall have direct supervision of the student.
(3) The county board may compensate the student.
(4) The county board shall comply with all applicable Federal and State laws.
(5) The student must at the time of the election for which the student shall serve:
(i) be at least seventeen (17) years of age;
(ii) be a United States citizen and a resident of the county in which he was appointed to serve;
(iii) be enrolled in a secondary educational institution with an exemplary academic record as determined by the educational institution;
(iv) be approved by the principal or director of the secondary educational institution; and
(v) have obtained the consent of their parent or guardian.
(6) The student may not serve as a judge of election or majority or minority inspector.
(402 amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 403. Tie Votes for Judge and Inspector.--If at any municipal election in any district there shall be a tie vote for the office of judge of election, the majority inspector of election elected at said election shall decide the tie vote. If at any municipal election in any district there is a tie vote for inspectors, the two candidates who receive the same number of votes shall determine by lot which of them shall be the majority inspector, and the other candidate shall be the minority inspector, and in case of a tie vote also for judge of election at said election, the tie shall be decided by the person so determined to be majority inspector. The county board shall be notified immediately upon the determination of any such tie vote.
Section 404. Clerks of Election, Machine Inspectors.--Prior to the opening of the polls at each primary and election in districts in which voting machines are not used, each inspector shall appoint one clerk to serve at such primary or election. One clerk shall be appointed by the minority inspector in each district in which a voting machine or machines are used, and in each district in which more than one voting machine is used, the county board of elections shall, prior to each primary and election, appoint for each additional voting machine to be used in such district, one qualified registered elector of the county to serve as machine inspector therein for such primary or election. The qualifications of clerks and machine inspectors shall be the same as herein provided for election officers.
Compiler's Note: Section 5(3) of Act 3 of 2002 provided that section 404 is repealed to the extent that it prohibits the sharing of the duties of the authorized positions of clerk of elections or machine operator.
Section 405. Vacancies in Election Boards; Appointment; Judge and Majority Inspector to Be Members of Majority Party; Minority Inspector to Be Member of Minority Party.--(a) Vacancies in election boards existing by reason of the disqualification, removal, resignation or death of an election officer, or from any other cause, occurring prior to the fifth day before any primary or election, shall, in all cases, be filled by appointment, by the court of the proper county, of competent persons, qualified in accordance with the provisions of this act, who shall serve for the unexpired term of the person whose place he is appointed to fill: Provided, however, That any district election officer who, after his election or appointment, changes his political affiliation, shall not thereby become disqualified to serve on said election board, and shall not thereby be subject to removal. In making such appointments, the court shall receive and consider any petitions filed by qualified electors of the district affected, and shall make no appointment to fill any vacancy unless notice of the time at which they will make such appointment shall have been posted on the polling place of such district, and in the immediate vicinity thereof, at least five days prior thereto. In the appointment of inspectors in any election district, both shall not be of the same political party at the time of said appointment, but one shall be of the party having the largest number of votes and the other shall be of the party having the second largest number of votes in said district at the last preceding November election, as nearly as the judge or judges can ascertain the fact. The judge of election shall, in all cases of appointment, be of the political party having the majority of votes in said district at the last preceding November election, as nearly as the judge or judges can ascertain the fact. Immediately upon the entry of an order of court filling any vacancy on an election board, the clerk of said court shall forthwith transmit a certified copy of said order to the county board, giving the name and address of said appointee. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, in counties which have adopted home rule charters or optional plans and which appoint the members of the county election board under section 301(b), vacancies in the county board of elections shall be filled consistent with the provisions for appointment of county election board members under that section.
(a.1) Vacancies in county boards existing by reason of the disqualification, removal, resignation or death of a clerk or machine inspector appointed pursuant to section 404 or a vacancy of a clerk or machine inspector from any other cause occurring prior to the day of any primary or election may be filled by a student pursuant to section 402(b).
(b) The first election board for any new district shall be selected, by the court of the proper county, of competent persons, qualified in accordance with the provisions of this act, who shall serve until the next municipal election at which all election officials are elected under the provisions of section 401.
(c) Vacancies in election boards occurring at any time during the five days immediately preceding any primary or election or on the day of the primary or election may be filled by appointment by the county board of elections from a pool of competent persons who are qualified registered electors of the county and who have been trained by the county to perform the duties of election officers which are required by this act. Any person appointed to fill a vacancy in accordance with this subsection shall serve as a member of the election board on the day of the primary or election only. Any election board position filled in accordance with this subsection shall be deemed vacant on the day immediately following the primary or election and subsequently shall be filled in accordance with subsection (a).
(405 amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 406. Election Officers to Be Sworn.--All judges, inspectors, clerks of election and machine inspectors shall, before entering upon their duties at any primary or election, be duly sworn in the presence of each other and of the watchers and overseers, if any. The judge shall first be sworn by the minority inspector or by a magistrate, alderman or justice of the peace, and the inspectors, clerks and machine inspectors shall then be sworn by the judge. Each of them shall forthwith sign in duplicate the oath taken by him upon forms to be furnished by the county board, and the same shall be attested by the officer who administered the oath.
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Section 407. Oath of Judge of Election.--The following shall be the oath of each judge of election:
"I (John Doe) do swear (or affirm) that I will as judge duly attend the ensuing election (or primary) during the continuance thereof, and in cooperation with the inspectors, faithfully carry on the same; that I will not give my consent to the admission of any person to vote, except such as I firmly believe to be registered and entitled to vote at such election (or primary), according to the provisions of the Constitution and laws of this Commonwealth, and that I will use my best endeavors to prevent any fraud, deceit or abuse in carrying on the same, and that I will make a true and perfect return of the said election (or primary), and will at all times impartially and faithfully perform my duty respecting the same, to the best of my judgment and ability; and that I am not directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager on the result of this election (or primary)."
Section 408. Oaths of Inspectors of Election.--The following shall be the form of the oath to be taken by each inspector:
"I (John Doe) do swear (or affirm) that I will as an inspector duly attend the ensuing election (or primary) during the continuance thereof, and that I will not admit any person to vote, except such as I shall firmly believe to be registered and entitled to vote at such election (or primary), according to the provisions of the Constitution and laws of this Commonwealth, that I will not vexatiously delay or refuse to permit any person to vote whom I shall believe to be entitled to vote as aforesaid, that I will make a true and perfect return of the said election (or primary), and that I will in all things truly, impartially and faithfully perform my duties therein, to the best of my judgment and ability; and that I am not directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager on the result of this election (or primary)."
Section 409. Oaths of Clerks of Election.--The following shall be the form of the oath to be taken by each clerk:
"I (John Doe) do swear (or affirm) that I will as a clerk attend the ensuing election (or primary) during the continuance thereof, that I will carefully and truly record the number of votes that shall be given for each candidate at the election (or primary) as often as his name shall be read to me by the judge or inspectors thereof, and in all things truly and faithfully perform my duty respecting the same to the best of my judgment and ability; and that I am not directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager on the result of this election (or primary)."
Section 410. Oath of Machine Inspectors.--The following shall be the form of the oath to be taken by each machine inspector:
"I (John Doe) do swear (or affirm) that I will as a machine inspector attend the ensuing election (or primary) during the continuance thereof, that I will in all things truly and faithfully perform my duty respecting the same to the best of my judgment and ability; and that I am not directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager on the result of this election (or primary)."
Section 411. Power of Election Officers to Administer Oaths.--The judge and inspectors of election shall each have the power to administer oaths to any person claiming the right to vote, or to his witnesses, or in any matter or thing required to be done or inquired into by them under this act.
Section 412. Compensation of Election Officers.--(412 repealed May 5, 1982, P.L.374, No.108)
Section 412.1. Compensation of Election Officers.--(412.1 repealed Oct. 31, 1997, P.L.482, No.48)
Section 412.2. Compensation of District Election Officers.--(a) In all counties regardless of class, judges of election, inspectors of election, clerks and machine operators shall be paid compensation as fixed by the county board of elections for each election, which amount shall be at least $75 and not more than $200.
(a.1) An election officer shall receive additional compensation, as fixed by the county board of elections, for participating in election training.
(a.2) A judge of election shall receive additional compensation, as fixed by the county board of elections, for picking up and returning election materials.
(b) If a county board of elections authorizes that the duties of a clerk of elections or machine operator may be performed by two individuals who each perform the duties for one-half of an election day, each individual shall be compensated at one-half of the rate authorized for a single individual who performs the duties for the entire election day.
(c) The county board of elections may establish different per diem rates within minimum and maximum rates provided for under subsection (a) based on the number of votes cast for the following groups:
(1) 150 votes or fewer.
(2) 151 to 300 votes.
(3) 301 to 500 votes.
(4) 501 to 750 votes.
(5) 751 votes and over.
(d) For transmitting returns of elections and the ballot box or boxes, all judges of election shall be entitled to receive the additional sum of $20.
(e) The county board of elections may require the minority inspector of election to accompany the judge of election in transmitting the returns of elections, in which case the minority inspector of election shall be entitled to receive the additional sum of $20.
(f) The individual furnishing transportation to the judge of election and the minority inspector in transmitting returns and ballot boxes shall be entitled to a minimum of 35¢ per circular mile from the polling place to the county court house. The name of the individual shall appear on the voucher of the judge of election and only one individual may receive mileage compensation.
(g) ((g) repealed Oct. 9, 2009, P.L.494, No.49)
(h) When a primary and special election or a special election and a general or municipal election take place on the same date, the elections shall be construed as one election for the purpose of receiving compensation.
(i) Compensation and other payments received by election officials under this section shall not be deemed income classified and categorized under section 303 of the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the "Tax Reform Code of 1971."
(412.2 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Compiler's Note: Section 14 of Act 45 of 2006, which amended section 412.2, provided that section 412.2 shall apply to the district election officers of a county when any increase in compensation payable to an elected election officer is permitted in accordance with section 27 of Article III of the Constitution of Pennsylvania.
Section 16 of Act 45 of 2006 provided that the amendment of section 412.2 shall take effect January 1, 2007.
Compiler's Note: Section 19 of Act 150 of 2002, which added section 412.2, provided that section 412.2 shall be applicable as constitutionally permissible.
Section 413. Election Officers, Clerks, Machine Inspectors, and Overseers Privileged from Arrest.--District election officers, clerks, machine inspectors and overseers shall be privileged from arrest upon days of primaries and elections, and while engaged in making up and transmitting returns, except upon the warrant of a court of record, or judge thereof, for an election fraud, for felony, or for wanton breach of the peace.
Section 414. Instruction of Election Officers in Voting Machine Districts; Unqualified Officers Not to Serve.--In districts in which voting machines are to be used, the county board of elections, or the custodians appointed by them, shall instruct in the use of the machines, and in their duties in connection therewith, all judges and inspectors of election and machine inspectors who are to serve at the primary or election, and who have not been previously instructed and found qualified, and they shall give to each judge, inspector and machine inspector, who has received such instruction and is found qualified to conduct such primary or election with the voting machine, a certificate to that effect. For the purpose of giving such instructions, the county boards shall call such meeting or meetings of election officers as shall be necessary. Each judge, inspector and machine inspector shall, upon notice, attend such meeting or meetings called for his instruction and receive such instruction as shall be necessary for the proper conduct of the primary or election with voting machines, and, as compensation for the time spent in receiving such instruction, each judge, inspector and machine inspector who shall qualify for and serve at such primary or election, shall receive the sum of five ($5.00) dollars, to be paid to him at the same time and in the same manner as compensation is paid to him for his services on election day. No judge, inspector or machine inspector shall serve at any primary or election at which a voting machine is used, unless he shall have received such instructions, shall have been found qualified to perform his duties in connection with the machine, and shall have received a certificate to that effect from the county board or one of the custodians appointed by them: Provided, however, That this shall not prevent the appointment of a judge or inspector of election or machine inspector to fill a vacancy arising on the day of election or on the preceding day.
Section 415. Overseers of Election.--On the petition of five or move duly registered electors of any election district, setting forth that the appointment of overseers is a reasonable precaution to secure the purity and fairness of any primary or election in said district, it shall be the duty of the court of common pleas of the proper county, all the law judges of the said court able to act at the time concurring, to appoint two judicious, sober and intelligent electors of the said district belonging to different political parties, overseers of election to supervise the proceedings of election officers thereof and to make report of the same as they may be required by such court. Said overseers shall be persons qualified to serve upon election boards, but shall not be required to comply with the provisions of section 414 of this act. They shall be sworn or affirmed by the judge of election, to the faithful discharge of their duties, and each shall sign said oath in duplicate, and shall have the right to be present with the officers of such primary or election within the enclosed space during the entire time the same is held, the votes counted, and the returns made out and signed by the election officers; to keep a list of voters if they see proper; to challenge any person offering to vote and interrogate him and his witnesses under oath in regard to his right of suffrage at said primary or election, and to examine his papers produced. Overseers shall sign returns of elections as hereinafter required. Whenever the members of an election board shall differ in opinion, the overseers, if they shall be agreed thereon, shall decide the question of difference.
Section 416. Driving away Overseers; Effect.--Election officers are required to afford to said overseers, so selected and appointed, every convenience and facility for the discharge of their duties. If said election officers shall refuse to permit said overseers to be present and to perform their duties, as aforesaid, or if the overseers shall be driven away from the polls by violence or intimidation, all the votes polled in such election district may be rejected by the proper tribunal trying a contest of the said primary or election, or a part or portion of such votes aforesaid may be counted, as such tribunal may deem necessary to a just and proper disposition of the case.
Section 417. Appointment of Watchers.--
(a) Each candidate for nomination or election at any election shall be entitled to appoint two watchers for each election district in which such candidate is voted for. Each political party and each political body which has nominated candidates in accordance with the provisions of this act, shall be entitled to appoint three watchers at any general, municipal or special election for each election district in which the candidates of such party or political body are to be voted for. Such watchers shall serve without expense to the county.
(b) Each watcher so appointed must be a qualified registered elector of the county in which the election district for which the watcher was appointed is located. Each watcher so appointed shall be authorized to serve in the election district for which the watcher was appointed and, when the watcher is not serving in the election district for which the watcher was appointed, in any other election district in the county in which the watcher is a qualified registered elector: Provided, That only one watcher for each candidate at primaries, or for each party or political body at general, municipal or special elections, shall be present in the polling place at any one time from the time that the election officers meet prior to the opening of the polls under section 1208 until the time that the counting of votes is complete and the district register and voting check list is locked and sealed, and all watchers in the room shall remain outside the enclosed space. It shall not be a requirement that a watcher be a resident of the election district for which the watcher is appointed. After the close of the polls and while the ballots are being counted or voting machine canvassed, all the watchers shall be permitted to be in the polling place outside the enclosed space. Each watcher shall be provided with a certificate from the county board of elections, stating his name and the name of the candidate, party or political body he represents. Watchers shall be required to show their certificates when requested to do so. Watchers allowed in the polling place under the provisions of this act, shall be permitted to keep a list of voters and shall be entitled to challenge any person making application to vote and to require proof of his qualifications, as provided by this act. During those intervals when voters are not present in the polling place either voting or waiting to vote, the judge of elections shall permit watchers, upon request, to inspect the voting check list and either of the two numbered lists of voters maintained by the county board: Provided, That the watcher shall not mark upon or alter these official election records. The judge of elections shall supervise or delegate the inspection of any requested documents.
(c) No candidate or committee of a political party or of a political body, nor any other person or persons shall pay to any watcher compensation in excess of one hundred twenty ($120.00) dollars per diem.
(d) A watcher whose watcher's certificate is destroyed or lost on election day may appear before the court of common pleas under section 1206 and, after swearing under oath or affirmation that the watcher's certificate was destroyed or lost, may immediately receive a replacement watcher's certificate issued by the court.
(417 amended Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
ARTICLE V
Election Districts and Polling Places
(Hdg. amended Nov. 24, 1999, P.L.543, No.51)
Section 501. Townships, Boroughs and Wards to Constitute Election Districts.--Each borough and township, not divided into wards, and each ward of every city, borough and township now existing or hereafter created, shall constitute a separate election district, unless divided into two or more election districts or formed into one election district, as hereinafter provided.
(501 amended July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 502. Court to Create New Election Districts.--Subject to the provisions of section 501 of this act, the court of common pleas of the county in which the same are located, may form or create new election districts by dividing or redividing any borough, township, ward or election district into two or more election districts of compact and contiguous territory, having boundaries with clearly visible physical features conforming with census block lines from the most recently completed Federal decennial census and wholly contained within any larger district from which any Federal, State, county, municipal or school district officers are elected, or alter the bounds of any election district, or form an election district out of two or more adjacent districts or parts of districts, or consolidate adjoining election districts or form an election district out of two or more adjacent wards, so as to suit the convenience of the electors and to promote the public interests. Except for good cause shown, election districts so formed shall not contain more than one thousand two hundred (1,200) registered electors. No election district shall be formed that shall contain less than one hundred (100) registered electors. When a school district crosses county lines, the regions of the school district shall be composed of contiguous election districts.
(502 amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 503. Petitions for New Election Districts; Reference to County Board of Elections; Report.--Upon the petition of twenty registered electors of any township, borough, ward or election district, to the court of the proper county, praying for the division or redivision of such township, borough, ward or election district into two or more election districts, or for the alteration of the bounds of any election district, or for the formation of one or more election districts out of two or more existing election districts, or parts thereof, or for the consolidation of adjoining election districts, the said court shall refer the said petition to the county board of elections, which shall make a full investigation of the facts, and shall report to the court its findings and recommendations as to the division, redivision, alteration, formation or consolidation of election districts prayed for. If the county board shall find that a division, redivision, alteration, formation or consolidation of election districts will promote the convenience of the electors and the public interests, it shall recommend a proper division, redivision, alteration, formation or consolidation of election districts, which must have clearly visible physical boundaries conforming with census block lines from the most recently completed Federal decennial census, and shall accompany its report with a map and a verbal description of the boundaries, as well as a certification of the number of electors registered in each of the resulting election districts for the immediately preceding general or municipal election. Such petitions may specify the boundaries desired by the petitioners, and may be accompanied by a map setting forth such boundaries. When petitioners request specific boundaries, their petition shall include a certification from the county board of elections of the electors registered in each proposed election district for the immediately preceding general or municipal election.
(503 amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 504. Petitions by County Board; Action by Court on Petition or Report.--The county board of elections may also petition the court for the division or redivision of any township, borough, ward or election district into two or more election districts, or for the alteration of the bounds of any election district, or for the formation of one or more election districts out of two or more existing election districts, or parts thereof, or for the consolidation of adjoining election districts, accompanying its petition with a map and a verbal description of the boundaries of the proposed new election districts which must have clearly visible physical features conforming with census block lines from the most recently completed Federal decennial census. The petition must also include a certification of the number of electors registered in each of the resulting election districts for the immediately preceding general or municipal election. Upon the presentation of any such petition by the county board, or upon the filing by the board of its report and recommendations as to any petition presented by qualified electors under the provisions of section 503 of this act, the court may make such order for the division, redivision, alteration, formation or consolidation of election districts, as will, in its opinion, promote the convenience of electors and the public interests: Provided, however, That the court shall not make any final order for the division, redivision, alteration, formation or consolidation of election districts until at least ten days after notice shall have been posted in at least five public and conspicuous places in the district or districts to be affected thereby, one of which notices shall be posted on or in the immediate vicinity of the polling place in each such district. Such notice shall state in brief form the division, redivision, alteration, formation or consolidation of election districts recommended by the county board, the number of electors registered in each district at the immediately preceding general or municipal election, and the date upon which the same will be considered by the court, and shall contain a warning that any person objecting thereto must file his objections with the clerk of the court prior to such date. Upon the making of any such final order by the court, a copy thereof shall be certified by the clerk to the county board of elections.
(504 amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 505. Court in its Order to Appoint Election Officers.--In all cases in which any court shall make a final order for the division, redivision, alteration, formation or consolidation of an election district or districts, said court shall, within a reasonable time thereafter, make an order appointing the district election board or boards for holding elections in said district or districts, until an election board shall have been elected according to law.
(505 amended July 25, 1961, P.L.871, No.376 and repealed in part Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
Section 506. District Boundaries.--In administering elections for the nomination and election of candidates for the United States House of Representatives and the General Assembly, county boards of election shall adhere to the following rule: Where an election district is used in or pursuant to a congressional redistricting statute or the Final Plan of the Legislative Reapportionment Commission to define the boundary of a congressional district or State legislative district, the boundary of such election district shall be the boundary existing and recognized by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission for the adoption of its Final Plan. The boundaries of the congressional districts as established by statute and State legislative districts as set forth in the Final Plan of the Legislative Reapportionment Commission shall remain in full force and effect for use thereafter until the next reapportionment or redistricting as required by law and shall not be deemed to be affected by any action taken pursuant to this article.
(506 added Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
(b) Polling Places
Section 526. Polling Places to Be Selected by County Board.--(a) The county board of elections shall select and fix the polling place within each new election district and may, at any time, for any reason that may seem proper to it, either on its own motion or on petition of ten qualified registered electors of an election district, change the polling place within any election district. Except in case of an emergency or unavoidable event occurring within twenty days of a primary or election, which renders any polling place unavailable for use at such primary or election, the county board shall not change any polling place until at least five days after notice of the proposed change shall have been posted on the existing polling place and in the immediate vicinity thereof, and until at least five days after written notice of the proposed change shall have been given to the occupant or owner of said polling place, or their agent.
(b) Except in case of emergency or unavoidable event, occurring within twenty days of a primary or election, which renders any polling place unavailable for use, if a petition be presented to the county board on or before the day set for hearing of the petition for change of polling place, signed by a majority of the registered electors of the district, objecting to the proposed change, said change shall not be ordered.
(c) The county board of elections shall publicly announce, not less than twenty days prior to the primary election, special election, municipal election or general election, by posting at its office in a conspicuous place, a list of the places at which the election is to be held in the various election districts of the county. The list shall be available for public inspection at the office of the county board of elections.
(526 amended May 12, 2006, P.L.178, No.45)
Section 527. Public Buildings to Be Used Where Possible; Portable Polling Places.--(a) In selecting polling places, the county board of elections shall, wherever possible and practicable, select schoolhouses, municipal buildings or rooms, or other public buildings for that purpose. Any board of public education or school directors, or county or the municipal authorities shall, upon request of the county board, make arrangements for the use of school property, or of county or municipal property for polling places. In selecting polling places, the county board of elections shall make every effort to select polling places that provide all electors with an environment that is free from intimidation and violence.
In the event no available public building as contemplated under this section is situated within the boundaries of any election district, the county board of elections may, not less than twenty days prior to any election, designate as the polling place for such election district any such public building situated in another election district within the same or immediately adjacent ward, or, if there are no wards, then within the same borough or township as the case may be, provided such other building is located in an election district which is immediately adjacent to the boundary of the election district for which it is to be the polling place and is directly accessible therefrom by public street or thoroughfare. Two or more polling places may be located in the same public building under this section. A polling place may be selected and designated hereunder less than twenty days prior to any election, with the approval of a court of competent jurisdiction.
((a) amended May 12, 2006, P.L.178, No.45)
(b) In the event no available public building as contemplated under subsection (a) is situated within the boundaries of a borough which constitutes a single election district, the county board of elections may, not less than ten days prior to any election, designate as the polling place for such election district a municipal building owned by that borough and located in an adjoining second class township: Provided, That the municipal building which is to serve as the polling place is located in an election district immediately adjacent to the boundary of such borough and is directly accessible from the borough by public street or thoroughfare. Such municipal building may be designated as the polling place for an election less than ten days prior to that election, with the approval of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) The board, in its discretion, may procure and provide portable or movable polling places of adequate size and facilities for any or all election districts.
(527 amended July 1, 1987, P.L.178, No.20)
Section 528. Temporary Polling Places.--If, in any election district, no proper polling place can be obtained, the county board of elections shall cause to be constructed for such district, a temporary room of adequate size to be used as a polling place.
Section 529. Polling Places in Buildings or Rooms Where Malt or Brewed Beverages or Liquors Dispensed Prohibited.--(a) Except as provided in subsection (c), no election shall be held in any room where malt or brewed beverages or liquors are dispensed. No malt or brewed beverages or liquors may be served in a building where a polling place is located during the hours that the polling place is open.
(b) The polling place must be accessible from an outside entrance that does not require passageway through the room where malt or brewed beverages or liquors are dispensed.
(c) In the case of an establishment licensed as a club under the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, which is located in a building with only one room, an election may be held in the room if no malt or brewed beverages or liquors are served during the hours that the polling place is open.
(529 amended May 12, 2006, P.L.178, No.45)
Section 529.1. Polling Places in Other Buildings.--No election shall be held in any of the following:
(1) A private residence not situated within the boundaries of the election district.
(2) A private residence of an elected or appointed party official.
(3) A private residence that is not otherwise prohibited under paragraphs (1), (2), (6) and (7), unless the county board of elections certifies in writing and at a public hearing that:
(i) the polling place located within the private residence is accessible to persons with disabilities; and
(ii) the private residence is a location free of intimidation and harassment.
(4) An abandoned building.
(5) A vacant lot.
(6) An office, building or private residence of a candidate for political office.
(7) An office, building or private residence of an elected official.
(8) A building utilized by a ward or political party as headquarters.
(529.1 added May 12, 2006, P.L.178, No.45)
Section 530. Equipment and Arrangement of Polling Places; Guard Rail; Number of Voting Compartments or Voting Machines.--
(a) The county board of elections shall cause all rooms used as polling places to be suitably provided with heat and light, and, in districts in which ballots are used, with a sufficient number of voting compartments or booths with proper supplies, in which electors may conveniently mark their ballots, with a curtain, screen or door in the upper part of the front of each compartment or booth so that in the marking thereof they may be screened from the observation of others. Every polling place shall consist of a single room, every part of which is within the unobstructed view of those present therein, and shall be furnished with a guard rail or barrier enclosing the inner portion of the said room, which guard rail or barrier shall be so constructed and placed that only such persons as are inside said rail or barrier can approach within six feet of the ballot box and voting compartments, or booths, or voting machines, as the case may be. The ballot box and voting compartments or booths shall be so arranged in the voting room within the enclosed space as to be in full view of those persons in the room outside the said guard rail or barrier. The voting machine or machines shall be so placed in the voting room within the enclosed space that, unless its construction shall otherwise require, the ballot labels on the face of the machine can be plainly seen by the election officers, overseers and watchers when the machine is not occupied by an elector.
(b) The number of voting compartments to be furnished to each polling place shall not be less than one for every two hundred (200) registered qualified electors, or fraction thereof, in the election district. The number of voting machines to be furnished to polling places in which voting machines are used shall be not more than one machine for each three hundred and fifty (350) registered electors, or fraction thereof, nor less than one machine for each six hundred (600) registered electors, or fraction thereof, in such election district: Provided, however, That the court of common pleas having jurisdiction, upon petition presented by either the county election board or by ten (10) or more registered qualified electors of an election district, may order that additional voting machines or voting compartments be provided for any such election district if the court shall be of the opinion that such additional voting machines or voting compartments shall be necessary in such district for the convenience of the electors and the public interests. The county shall provide equal distribution of voting machines or voting compartments in election districts containing a similar number of electors. ((b) amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
(c) The county board may make such arrangements as it deems proper for the storage of election equipment in the various election districts of the county at such times of the year that it will not be used for election purposes, and may fix reasonable compensation therefor.
Section 531. Compensation for Rent, Heat and Light.--(a) The county board of elections shall fix the compensation for rent, heat, light and janitorial services to be paid for the use of polling places other than public buildings for primaries and elections.
(b) No compensation for rent, heat, water, custodial service, janitorial services, other services, or light shall be paid in the case of municipal buildings or rooms, or other public buildings used as polling places and as limited voter registration centers.
(c) No compensation for rent, heat, water, or light shall be paid in the case of schoolhouses, but the county board of elections shall fix the compensation for custodial services and janitorial services for schoolhouses used as polling places or as limited voter registration centers.
(531 amended Oct. 4, 1978, P.L.995, No.207)
(c) Creation, Division, Realignment and
Consolidation of Wards in Cities of the First Class
(Hdg. added Apr. 2, 1965, P.L.7, No.7)
Section 532. Wards in Cities of the First Class May be Created, Divided, Realigned, or Consolidated.--
(a) Wards in a city of the first class may be created, divided, realigned or consolidated, along clearly visible physical boundaries conforming with census block lines from the most recently completed Federal decennial census, by the court of common pleas of the county in which said city is located, upon application thereto for those purposes by the petition of at least a total of one hundred qualified electors from the ward or wards sought to be affected, or of the council of such city. ((a) amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
(b) Upon such petition, the said court shall appoint five impartial persons as a commission to inquire into and consider the merits of said petition, by such procedure as said court shall direct, to inspect the ward or wards sought to be affected, and to prepare a plan of the ward or wards proposed to be created, divided, realigned or consolidated.
(c) Said commission shall submit its report and plan within such time as shall be fixed by the said court.
(d) Unless at least four of said commissioners report favorably upon said petition and agree upon an implementing plan, said petition shall be dismissed by said court and the subject or subjects of said petition shall not be reconsidered for at least two years from the date of such dismissal.
(e) No final plan shall be entered until at least ten days after notice to the electors in the wards to be affected thereby. Such notice shall be in the manner, form and means directed by the commission, shall state the date of consideration by the commission and shall contain a warning that all objections to said report and plan must be set forth in writing and filed with the commission prior to such date.
(f) On or after such given date, the commission shall prepare a final plan which will best serve the public interest, shall number the new ward or wards and shall cause a certified copy of the whole proceedings to be placed of record among the minutes of the city council and with the Mayor of said city.
(g) In the event that any final plan shall affect less than fifty (50) per centum of the wards in existence prior to the preparation of said plan, the city council, upon receipt of said plan from the commission, shall cause the same to be placed upon the ballot for the purpose of approval or rejection by vote of the qualified electors of the ward or wards divided, created, consolidated or realigned by said plan at the primary election next following the preparation of said plan.
(h) In the event that any final plan shall affect fifty (50) per centum or more of the wards in existence prior to the preparation of said plan, the city council upon receipt of said plan from the commission, shall cause the same to be placed upon the ballot for the purpose of approval or rejection by vote of the qualified electors of the city at the primary election next following the preparation of said plan.
(i) No plan dividing, creating, consolidating or realigning any ward shall be valid or take effect unless approved by the vote of the qualified electors as provided by subsections (g) or (h) of this act, whichever is applicable.
(j) Upon the appointment of said commission, it shall prepare and submit to the said court, for consideration and approval, a proposed budget of the expenses involved in connection with its duties and functions. After the filing of its report, the commission shall prepare and submit to said court for consideration and approval, its request for allowance of fees and any supplemental expenses. Upon approval of these items, said court shall enter an order directing payment by said city.
(532 reenacted and amended Nov. 23, 1976, P.L.1124, No.236)
(d) Election District Alteration
and Data Reporting
(Subdiv. added Nov. 24, 1999, P.L.543, No.51)
Section 535. Definitions.--The following words and phrases when used in this subdivision shall have the following meanings unless otherwise clearly apparent from the context:
The word "bureau" shall mean the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation of the Department of State.
The word "secretary" shall mean the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
(535 added Nov. 24, 1999, P.L.543, No.51)
Section 536. Restrictions on Alteration.--(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), there shall be no power to establish, abolish, divide, consolidate or alter in any manner an election district during the period from December 31, 2019, through November 30, 2022, or through resolution of all judicial appeals to the 2022 Congressional Redistricting Plan, whichever occurs later. ((a) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(b) During the period from December 31, 2019, through December 31, 2020, an election district may be divided or election districts may be combined if the following are met:
(1) In the case of the division of an election district, the boundary of each resulting district is composed entirely of clearly visible physical features conforming with the census block lines or portions of the original boundary of the election district which was divided.
(2) In the case of the combination of election districts, the boundary of each resulting district is composed entirely of portions of the original boundaries of the election districts which were combined.
((b) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(c) If an alteration of an election district under subsection (b) is sought, the following shall apply:
(1) The county board of elections shall notify the secretary, in writing, of the proposed alteration. The notice shall include a map and a description of the proposed boundary of any new or altered district or districts. The secretary shall forward a copy of any notice of proposed alteration to the Legislative Data Processing Center within seven (7) days of receipt.
(2) Before a county board of elections may petition the court for a change in the boundary of an election district under this section, the secretary must make a determination that the board has complied with subsection (b). Any of the following constitute evidence of the determination under this clause:
(i) A certification by the secretary that the determination has been made.
(ii) A certification by the board that notice under this clause has been given to the secretary and that the secretary has not acted within forty-five (45) days of the notice.
(3) The board shall forward a copy of the order approving any alteration to the secretary and the Legislative Data Processing Center within seven (7) days of the issuance of that order.
(536 amended July 14, 2009, P.L.86, No.20)
Compiler's Note: See section 4 of Act 20 of 2009 in the appendix to this act for special provisions relating to reapportionment and redistricting following 2010 census.
Section 537. Alterations After Period of Restriction.--(a) Unless otherwise provided in this act, an election district may be established, abolished, divided, consolidated or altered if the boundary of each resulting district is composed entirely of clearly visible physical features conforming with census block lines from the most recently completed Federal decennial census.
(b) Within thirty (30) days of an alteration under subsection (a), the county board of elections shall submit to the bureau a report, including a map and a verbal description, of the boundaries of each resulting district.
(c) The bureau shall review each report submitted under subsection (b) to determine whether the boundaries of all resulting election districts included in the report comply with the requirements of subsection (a). If the bureau determines that the boundaries of any resulting election district included in the report do not comply with the requirements of subsection (a), the bureau shall send written notice of this determination to the county board of elections within thirty (30) days of receipt of the report. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of the notice, the county board shall submit a subsequent report regarding the election district or districts named in the bureau's notice, indicating that changes have been made to the boundaries of each such election district so as to comply with the requirements of subsection (a). If the county board fails to submit a subsequent report indicating that changes have been made to the boundaries of each such election district so as to comply with the requirements of subsection (a), the Department of State shall withhold any reimbursements owed to the county board under section 305 until the bureau receives the report.
(537 amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 538. Reports.--(a) Within six (6) months of the effective date of this subdivision, each county board of elections shall submit to the bureau a report, including maps and verbal descriptions, of the boundaries of every election district within the county. All reports filed under section 536 or 537 shall be filed as amendments to this initial report.
(b) The bureau shall retain at all times the reports of the current boundaries of all election districts, including maps and verbal descriptions. Copies of such reports shall be made available to the General Assembly, on request, and to the public for a fee, as established by the department.
(538 added Nov. 24, 1999, P.L.543, No.51)
Section 539. Election Results; Registration.--In addition to any other reports, returns or certifications required by any other law, within thirty (30) days after a primary, municipal, special or general election, the county board of elections shall submit to the bureau a report stating the total number of votes cast in each voting district for each candidate for the following offices:
(1) A Statewide office.
(2) State Senator.
(3) State Representative.
(4) United States Representative.
(539 added Nov. 24, 1999, P.L.543, No.51)
Section 540. Regulations.--The secretary may promulgate regulations to administer this subdivision.
(540 added Nov. 24, 1999, P.L.543, No.51)
ARTICLE VI
Dates of Elections and Primaries and
Special Elections
(a) November Elections and Preceding Primaries.
Section 601. General Election; Officers to Be Elected.--The general election shall be held biennially on the Tuesday next following the first Monday of November in each even-numbered year. Electors of President and Vice-President of the United States, United States Senators, Representatives in Congress, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary of Internal Affairs, the Auditor General, the State Treasurer and Senators and Representatives in the General Assembly shall be elected at the general election.
(601 repealed in part Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
Section 602. Municipal Election; Officers to Be Elected.--The municipal election shall be held biennially on the Tuesday next following the first Monday of November in each odd-numbered year. All judges of courts of record of the various judicial districts and counties, and all county, city, borough, township, ward, school district, poor district and election officers shall be elected at the municipal election. Judges may be elected at the municipal election.
(602 repealed in part Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
Section 603. General Primary; Candidates to Be Nominated and Party Officers to Be Elected.--(a) There shall be a General primary preceding each general election which shall be held on the third Tuesday of May in all even-numbered years, except in the year of the nomination of a President of the United States, in which year the General primary shall be held on the fourth Tuesday of April. Candidates for all offices to be filled at the ensuing general election shall be nominated at the General primary. The vote for candidates for the office of President of the United States, as provided for by this act, shall be cast at the General primary.
(b.1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the General primary for 2000 shall be held on April 4, 2000.
(603 amended Nov. 24, 1999, P.L.543, No.51)
Section 604. Municipal Primary; Officers to be Nominated.--There shall be a Municipal primary preceding each municipal election which shall be held on the third Tuesday of May in all odd-numbered years. Candidates for all offices to be filled at the ensuing municipal election shall be nominated at the Municipal primary.
(604 amended Jan. 14, 1952, 1951 P.L.1937, No.540)
Section 605. Elections on Proposed Constitutional Amendments.--Unless the General Assembly shall prescribe otherwise with respect to any particular proposed amendment or amendments and the manner and time of submitting to the qualified electors of the State any proposed amendment or amendments to the Constitution for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same shall be approved by a majority of those voting thereon, the said amendment or amendments which have heretofore, or which may hereafter be proposed, and which have not been submitted to the qualified electors of the State, shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the State for the purpose aforesaid, at the first municipal or general election at which such amendment or amendments may be legally submitted to the electors, which election shall occur at least three months after the date upon which such proposed amendment or amendments shall have been agreed to for the second time by a majority of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly, as provided in Article Eighteen, section one of the Constitution. Said election shall be conducted on said election day in the manner prescribed by the provisions of this act. Such proposed constitutional amendments shall be printed on the ballots or ballot labels in brief form to be determined by the Secretary of the Commonwealth with the approval of the Attorney General.
(b) Special Elections
Section 626. Special Elections for United States Senator; Nominations.--Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the office of United States Senator, said vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by the vote of the electors of the State at a special election to be held at the time of the next general or municipal election, occurring at least ninety (90) days after the happening of such vacancy, and it shall be the duty of the Governor to issue writs of election to the various county boards of elections and to the Secretary of the Commonwealth within ten (10) days after the happening of said vacancy. Candidates to fill vacancies in the office of United States Senator shall be nominated by political parties, in accordance with the party rules relating to the filling of vacancies, by means of nomination certificates, in the form prescribed in section 630 of this act; and by political bodies, by means of nomination papers, in accordance with the provisions of sections 951, 952 and 954 of this act. Said nomination certificates and nomination papers shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of said special election. Until such time as said vacancy shall be filled by an election as herein provided, the Governor of the Commonwealth may make a temporary appointment to fill said vacancy.
(626 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 627. Special Elections for Representative in Congress.--Whenever a vacancy shall occur or exist in the office of Representative in Congress from this State during a session of Congress, or whenever such vacancy shall occur or exist at a time when the members of Congress shall be required to meet at any time previous to the next general election, the Governor shall issue, within ten days after the happening of said vacancy, or after the calling of an extraordinary session of Congress during the existence of said vacancy, a writ of election to the proper county board or boards of election and to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for a special election to fill said vacancy, which election shall be held on a date named in said writ, which shall not be less than sixty (60) days after the issuance of said writ. In all other cases no such special election to fill said vacancy shall be held. The Governor may fix, in such writ of election, the date of the next ensuing primary or municipal election as the date for holding any such special election.
(627 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 628. Special Elections for Senator and Representative in the General Assembly.--Whenever a vacancy shall occur in either house of the General Assembly whether or not it then be in session, the presiding officer of such house shall, within ten (10) days after the happening of the vacancy, issue a writ of election to the proper county board or boards of election and to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for a special election to fill said vacancy, which election shall be held at the next ensuing primary, municipal or general election scheduled at least sixty (60) days after the issuance of the writ or such other earlier date which is at least sixty (60) days following the issuance of the writ as the presiding officer may deem appropriate: Provided, however, That should the Governor after the issuance of the said writ of election advise the presiding officer that the General Assembly will be called into extraordinary session prior to the date set for such special election, the presiding officer may countermand the writ theretofore issued and shall issue a new writ of election, fixing therein such earlier date therefor as is deemed expedient, but which shall not be less than sixty (60) days after the issuance of said writ: Provided further, That if the vacancy shall occur less than seven (7) months prior to the expiration of the term, a special election shall be held only if in the opinion of the presiding officer the election is in the public interest.
(628 amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
Section 628.1. Special Elections for Members of Councils or Legislative Bodies of Cities, Boroughs, Towns and Townships.--In all cases where under any law now or hereafter enacted, a special election is required to fill any vacancy in the office of member of the council or legislative body of any city, borough, town or township, such election shall be held on the day fixed in the writ for the special election or on such day as may be otherwise provided by such law, which day shall be within sixty (60) days after the issuance of the writ or after the happening of the vacancy, as the case may be, notwithstanding any provisions in such law requiring the special election to be held on an earlier day. This section shall not be construed as requiring a special election in any case where such election is not required under any law now or hereafter enacted.
(628.1 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 629. Nominations for Special Election for Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and Member of Council or Legislative Body of Cities, Boroughs, Towns and Townships.--Candidates to fill vacancies in the offices of Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and member of the council or legislative body of any city, borough, town or township shall be nominated by political parties, in accordance with the party rules relating to the filling of vacancies, by means of nomination certificates, in the form prescribed in section 630 of this act; and by political bodies, by means of nomination papers, in accordance with the provisions of sections 951, 952 and 954 of this act. Said nomination certificates and nomination papers for the office of Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth not later than fifty (50) days prior to the date of the special election, and for the office of member of the council or legislative body of a city, borough, town or township, in the office of the county board of elections wherein such city, borough, town or township is situate, not later than fifteen (15) days after the issuance of the writ of election.
(629 amended Oct. 28, 1971, P.L.493, No.112)
Section 630. Number, Form and Requirements of Nomination Certificates.--Each political party shall be entitled to nominate and to file nomination certificates for as many candidates as will be voted for at such special election. Every nomination certificate for a special election to be held under the provisions of this article shall be in form prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and shall set forth the following:
(a) The office and district, if any, for which it is filed;
(b) The cause of the vacancy;
(c) The rule or rules of the political party, setting forth the provisions applicable to the nomination of a candidate or candidates to fill said vacancy;
(d) That a quorum of the committee, caucus or convention as provided by the party rules, duly convened, and the names of those present at said meeting, or their proxies; that said persons are the duly appointed or elected members of said committee, caucus or convention;
(e) The name, residence and occupation of the candidate duly nominated at said meeting;
Every such certificate of nomination shall be signed by the presiding officer and the secretary or secretaries of the committees, caucus or convention, and shall be sworn or affirmed to by them before any officer qualified to administer oaths.
(630 amended May 23, 1949, P.L.1656, No.504)
Section 630.1. Affidavits of Candidates.--Each candidate for any State, county, city, borough, incorporated town, township, school district or poor district office, or for the office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress, selected as provided in section 630 of this act, shall file with the nomination certificate an affidavit stating--(a) his residence, with street and number, if any, and his post-office address; (b) his election district, giving city, borough, town or township; (c) the name of the office for which he consents to be a candidate; (d) that he is eligible for such office; (e) that he will not knowingly violate any provision of this act, or of any law regulating and limiting election expenses and prohibiting corrupt practices in connection therewith; (f) unless he is a candidate for judge of a court of common pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court or for the office of school board in a district where that office is elective or for the office of justice of the peace, that he is not a candidate for the same office of any party or political body other than the one designated in such certificate; (g) that he is aware of the provisions of section 1626 of this act requiring election and post-election reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures; and (h) that he is not a candidate for an office which he already holds, the term of which is not set to expire in the same year as the office subject to the affidavit.
(630.1 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Section 631. Examination of Nomination Certificates and Nomination Papers by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and County Board of Elections; Review.--It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the proper county board of elections, as the case may be, to examine, as to legal sufficiency, in the manner and under the provisions of section 976 of this act, all nomination certificates and nomination papers brought to his or its office for the purpose of filing, for the nomination of candidates for a special election, as herein provided, and if manifestly defective, they shall not be filed. The action of the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board of elections, in refusing to accept and file any such certificate or paper may be reviewed by the court upon an application to compel its reception and filing as of the date when it was brought to said office. No such certificate of nomination or nomination paper shall be refused by the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board of elections, except for any of the reasons provided for in section 976 of this act.
(631 amended May 23, 1949, P.L.1656, No.504 and repealed in part Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
Section 632. Objections to Certificates of Nomination and Nomination Papers Filed for a Special Election; Hearing; Determination.--All certificates of nomination and nomination papers to fill a vacancy as herein provided, which have been accepted and filed shall be deemed to be valid, unless objections thereto are duly made in writing and filed in the court and with the officer or board with whom said nomination certificates or papers were filed, and within three (3) days next succeeding the last day for filing such certificates or papers. Any objections shall set forth specifically the matters objected to. Upon the filing of the objections, the court shall make an order fixing a time for hearing, which shall not be later than seven (7) days after the last day for filing nomination certificates or papers, and specifying the time and manner of notice that shall be given to the candidate named in the nomination certificate or paper objected to. On the day fixed for said hearing, the court shall proceed without delay to hear said objections, and shall give such hearing precedence over any other business before it, and shall finally determine said matter not later than twelve (12) days after the last day for filing said nomination certificates or papers. In determining such matter, the court shall be governed in its order or decree by the provisions of section 977 of this act.
(632 amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
Section 633. Withdrawals of Candidates Nominated for a Special Election.--Any person who has been nominated by any political party or political body for a special election as herein provided, may withdraw his name from nomination by a request in writing signed by him and acknowledged before an officer qualified and empowered to administer oaths, and filed in the office of the officer or board with whom the nomination certificate or nomination paper was filed within seven (7) days next succeeding the last day for filing nomination certificates or papers. Such withdrawals to be effective must be received at the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth or county board of elections, as the case may be, not later than five (5) o'clock P. M. on the last day for filing same. No name, so withdrawn, shall be printed on the ballot or ballot labels. No candidate may withdraw any withdrawal notice already received and filed, and thereby reinstate his nomination.
(633 amended July 11, 1980, P.L.591, No.127)
Section 634. Substituted Nominations for Special Elections.--
(a) Any vacancy happening or existing in any party nomination for a special election by reason of the death or withdrawal of any candidate, may be filled by a substituted nomination made by such committee as is authorized by the rules of the party to make nominations in the event of vacancies on the party ticket in the form prescribed by section 630 of this act.
(b) In case of the death or withdrawal of any candidate nominated by a political body for a special election, the committee named in the original nomination papers may nominate a substitute in his place by filing a substituted nomination certificate in the form and manner prescribed by section 980 of this act. In the case of a vacancy caused by the death of any candidate, said nomination certificate shall be accompanied by a death certificate properly certified: Provided, however, That no substitute nomination certificate shall nominate any person who has already been nominated by any political party or by any other political body for any office to be filled at the same special election. ((b) amended July 5, 1947, P.L.1358, No.537)
(c) Substituted nomination certificates to fill vacancies caused by the withdrawal of candidates nominated for a special election shall be filed with the officer or board with whom the original nomination certificates or papers were filed not later than seven (7) days after the last day for filing the original nomination certificates or papers. ((c) amended May 23, 1949, P.L.1656, No.504)
(d) Substituted nomination certificates to fill vacancies caused by the death of candidates nominated for a special election shall be filed in the office of the officer or board with whom the original nomination certificates or papers were filed at any time prior to the day in which the printing of ballots is started. ((d) amended May 23, 1949, P.L.1656, No.504)
Section 635. Objections to Substituted Nomination Certificates for Special Elections.--All substituted nomination certificates for special elections may be objected to, as provided in section 977 of this act, except that objections to substituted nomination certificates must in any case be filed within three (3) days after the filing of the substituted nomination certificate: Provided, however, That no objections as to form and conformity to law shall be received after the day on which the printing of ballots is started.
Section 636. Certification by Secretary of the Commonwealth of Candidates for Special Elections.--The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall, not later than the thirtieth (30th) day next preceding the day fixed for any special election to fill a vacancy in the offices of United States Senator, Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly, certify to the proper county board or boards the names and residences of, and parties or political bodies represented by, all candidates whose nomination certificates or papers have been filed with him, as herein provided, for such election, and have not been found and declared invalid, and to be voted for in the county or any district or districts thereof, substantially in the form of the ballots to be used therein.
(636 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 637. Conduct of Special Elections.--Every special election, held under the provisions of this article, shall be held and conducted in all respects in accordance with provisions of this act relating to November elections, and the provisions of this act relating to November elections shall apply thereto in so far as applicable, and not inconsistent with any other provisions of this act. All such special elections held at the time of a regular primary or November election shall be conducted by the election officers by the use of the same equipment and facilities, so far as practicable, as are used for such primary or November election.
ARTICLE VII
Qualifications of Electors
Section 701. Qualifications of Electors.--Every citizen of this Commonwealth eighteen years of age, possessing the following qualifications, shall be entitled to vote at all elections, provided he or she has complied with the provisions of the acts requiring and regulating the registration of electors:
(1) He or she shall have been a citizen of the United States at least one month.
(2) He or she shall have resided in the State ninety days immediately preceding the election.
(3) He or she shall have resided in the election district where he or she shall offer to vote at least thirty days immediately preceding the election, except that if qualified to vote in an election district prior to removal of residence, he or she may, if a resident of Pennsylvania, vote in the election district from which he or she removed his or her residence within thirty days preceding the election.
(701 amended July 3, 1974, P.L.443, No.153)
Section 702. Qualifications of Electors at Primaries.--The qualifications of electors entitled to vote at primaries shall be the same as the qualifications of electors entitled to vote at elections within the election district where the primary is held, provided that no elector who is not registered and enrolled as a member of a political party, in accordance with the provisions of this act, shall be permitted to vote the ballot of such party or any other party ballot at any primary.
Section 703. Residence of Electors.--For the purpose of registration and voting, no person shall be deemed to have gained a residence by reason of his presence, or lost it by reason of his absence, while employed in the service, either civil or military, of this State or of the United States, nor while engaged in the navigation of the waters of the State or of the United States, or on the high seas, nor while a student of any institution of learning, nor while kept in any poorhouse or other asylum at public expense, nor while confined in public prison, except that any veteran who resides in a home for disabled and indigent soldiers and sailors, operated and maintained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and who possesses all the qualifications for voting, may gain a residence for registration and voting at the home for disabled and indigent soldiers and sailors. The provisions of this amendment shall not be construed to affect the voting rights of bedridden or hospitalized veterans who choose to vote as absentee electors by the use of veteran's official ballots.
(703 amended Sept. 9, 1959, P.L.851, No.339)
Section 704. Rules for Determining Residence.--In determining the residence of a person desiring to register or vote, the following rules shall be followed so far as they may be applicable:
(a) That place shall be considered the residence of a person in which his habitation is fixed, and to which, whenever he is absent, he has the intention of returning.
(b) A person shall not be considered to have lost his residence who leaves his home and goes into another state or another election district of this State for temporary purposes only, with the intention of returning.
(c) A person shall not be considered to have gained a residence in any election district of this State into which he comes for temporary purposes only, without the intention of making such election district his permanent place of abode.
(d) The place where the family of a married man or woman resides shall be considered and held to be his or her place of residence, except where the husband and wife have actually separated and live apart, in which case the place where he or she has resided for two months or more shall be considered and held to be his or her place of residence.
(e) If a person removes to another state with the intention of making such state his permanent residence, he shall be considered to have lost his residence in this State.
(f) If a person removes to another state with the intention of remaining there an indefinite time and making such state his place of residence, he shall be considered to have lost his residence in this State, notwithstanding he may entertain an intention to return at some indefinite future period.
(g) If a person removes to the District of Columbia or other Federal territory or foreign country to engage in the government service, he shall not be considered to have lost his residence in this State during the period of such service, and the place where the person resided at the time of his removal shall be considered and held to be his place of residence.
(h) If a person goes into another state and while there exercises the right of a citizen by voting, he shall be considered to have lost his residence in this State.
ARTICLE VIII
Party Organization
Section 801. Definition of Political Parties and Political Bodies.--
(a) Any party or political body, one of whose candidates at the general election next preceding the primary polled in each of at least ten counties of the State not less than two per centum of the largest entire vote cast in each of said counties for any elected candidate, and polled a total vote in the State equal to at least two per centum of the largest entire vote cast in the State for any elected candidate, is hereby declared to be a political party within the State, and shall nominate all its candidates for any of the offices provided for in this act, and shall elect its delegates and alternate delegates to the National convention as party rules provide. State committee members, and also such party officers, including members of the National committee, as its rules provide, shall be elected by a vote of the party electors, in accordance with the provisions of this act and party rules. ((a) amended Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
(b) Any party or political body, one of whose candidates at either the general or municipal election preceding the primary polled at least five per centum of the largest entire vote cast for any elected candidate in any county, is hereby declared to be a political party within said county; and shall nominate all its candidates for office in such county and in all political districts within said county, or of which said county forms a part, and shall elect such party officers as its rules provide shall be elected therein, by a vote of the party electors, in accordance with the provisions of this act.
(c) Any political body which is not a political party, as hereinabove defined, but which has nominated candidates for such general or municipal election by nomination papers in the manner provided by this act, shall be deemed to be a political body within the meaning of this act, but such political body shall not be entitled to nominate its candidates or elect its party officers at primaries held under the provisions of this act.
(d) Provided, however, That the words "political party" and the words "political body", as hereinabove defined, shall not include any political party, political organization or political body composed of a group of electors, whose purposes or aims, or one of whose purposes or aims, is the establishment, control, conduct, seizure or overthrow of the Government of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the United States of America by the use of force, violence, military measures, or threats of one or more of the foregoing.
(801 amended July 28, 1941, P.L.526, No.213)
Section 802. Only Enrolled Electors to Vote at Primaries or Hold Party Offices.--No person who is not registered and enrolled as a member of a political party shall be entitled to vote at any primary of such party or to be elected or serve as a party officer, or a member or officer of any party committee, or delegate or alternate delegate to any party convention.
Section 803. State Committees; Election at Spring Primaries.--(803 repealed Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
Section 804. Organization of State Committee; Rules.--Each political party shall be directed by a State committee, to be chosen in such a manner and for such a term of office as party rules may provide. The members of the State committee shall meet for organization not later than the sixth Wednesday following their election, at such hour and place as shall be designated by the State chairman of each political party. The State committee of each political party may make such rules for government of the party in the State, not inconsistent with law, as it may deem expedient; and may also revoke, alter or renew, in any manner not inconsistent with law, any present or future rules of such political party. No such rules shall be effective until a certified copy thereof has been filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
(804 amended Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
Section 805. Filling of Vacancy in State Committee.--Vacancies happening at any time in the office of member of the State committee shall be filled according to the rules of the party.
Section 806. Election of National Committeemen.--National committeemen shall be elected, and vacancies happening at any time in said office shall be filled, by the State committee of the proper party, unless the rules of the national party otherwise provide, in which case such committeemen shall be elected and vacancies be filled in the manner provided by the rules of the national party.
Section 807. County Committees; Rules; Other Party Officers.--There may be in each county a county committee for each political party within such county, the members of which shall be elected at the Spring primary, or appointed, as the rules of the respective parties within the county may provide. The county committee of each party may make such rules for the government of the party in the county, not inconsistent with law or with the State rules of the party, as it may deem expedient, and may also revoke, alter or renew in any manner not inconsistent with law or with such State rules, any present or future county rules of such party. No such rules shall be effective until a certified copy thereof has been filed in the office of the county board of elections. The members of all other party committees, and all other party officers whose election is required by the party rules, shall also be elected at the Spring primary, in the manner provided by this act.
Section 808. Selection of Delegates and Alternate Delegates.--(808 repealed Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
Section 808.1. Selection of Delegates to National Conventions; Forwarding of Rules to Secretary of Commonwealth.--Delegates and alternate delegates to a National convention of a political party shall be apportioned, selected or elected in such manner as the rules of the party may provide. The secretary of any political party shall certify and forward to the Secretary of the Commonwealth a copy of the party rules at least thirty days prior to the first day on which nomination petitions may be circulated for the offices which are to be filled at the Spring primaries in the years in which candidates for the President of the United States are to be nominated, or at such other times as a political party shall meet in National convention or conference when candidates for the President of the United States are not to be nominated.
(808.1 amended Jan. 16, 1974, P.L.5, No.2)
Section 809. Delegates to National Conventions.--(809 repealed Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
Section 809.1. Delegate and Alternate Delegate Commitments; Authorization Required; Petitions.--(a) Whenever the rules of a party provide that a candidate for delegate or alternate delegate to a National convention of a political party may pledge his support to a presidential candidate, he shall be committed to support and vote for the nomination of that candidate as President as party rules provide, the notation of which shall be printed upon the ballot in accordance with section 1002 of this act.
(b) No candidate for delegate or alternate delegate shall make a commitment unless he has obtained prior authorization to do so from the presidential candidate to whom he is pledging support. No candidate for delegate or alternate delegate shall be allowed to commit himself to any presidential candidate nor shall the Secretary of the Commonwealth cause any notation of commitment to be printed on any ballot unless the presidential candidate forwards notice to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, upon a form prescribed by the secretary, that he is a candidate for the nomination of President of the United States and that he authorizes delegates and alternate delegates to pledge their support and commit themselves to him. This notice must be received by the secretary at least fifteen days prior to the first day on which nomination petitions may be circulated for the offices which are to be filled at the Spring primaries in the years in which candidates for the President of the United States are to be nominated.
(c) Nomination petitions for delegates committed to particular presidential candidates shall be obtained only from the presidential candidate or his duly authorized representative who is certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth as being authorized by the candidate to distribute nomination petitions bearing his name. ((c) amended Dec. 20, 1983, P.L.299, No.81)
(809.1 added Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
Section 810. Who Shall Be Declared Elected Members of National or State Committee and Party Offices.--Candidates of the various political parties for the office of member of the State committee, or for the office of member of the National committee, in cases where the rules of the party provide that such office shall be filled by a vote of the party electors, who receive a plurality of the votes of the party electors at a primary, shall be the duly elected members of the State or National committee, as the case may be, of their respective parties. Candidates for other party offices, who receive a plurality of the votes of the party electors at a primary, shall be the party officers of their respective parties.
Section 811. Party Officer Elected in Case of Tie Vote.--In the case of a tie vote for any party office, the candidates receiving the tie vote shall cast lots before the county board or the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as the case may be, at twelve (12) o'clock noon on the third Friday following the primary, and the one to whom the lot shall fall shall be entitled to the election. In any case where the fact of a tie vote is not authoritatively determined until after the third Wednesday following the primary, the day for casting lots shall be the second day after the fact of such tie vote is authoritatively determined. If any candidate or candidates, receiving a tie vote, fail to appear before twelve (12) o'clock noon on said day, the county board or the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as the case may be, shall cast lots for him or them. For the purpose of casting lots any candidate may appear in person, or by proxy appointed in writing.
Section 812. District Committees.--Whenever two or more members of a political party shall be elected or appointed, as the rules of the party may provide, as members of a political committee to represent the members of such party in the respective election districts, such members shall constitute a political committee of said political party to function within such election district: Provided, that, When acting in the capacity of a political committee, such duly elected or appointed members shall be subject to the control, direction and supervision of the political committee of which they are members.
(812 added June 14, 1947, P.L.610, No.262)
ARTICLE IX
Nomination of Candidates
(a) Nomination of Party Candidates at Primaries
Section 901. Determination and Certification of State-wide and County-wide Parties.--(a) The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall determine which organizations are political parties within the State, within the meaning of section 801(a) of this act, and not later than the thirteenth Tuesday preceding each primary shall transmit to each county board a list of said political parties which shall be entitled to nominate candidates at primaries.
(b) Each county board shall determine which organizations are political parties within the county, within the meaning of section 801(b), and not later than the thirteenth Tuesday preceding each primary shall transmit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth a list of said political parties which shall be entitled to nominate candidates at primaries in said county.
(901 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 902. Candidates to Be Nominated and Party Officers to Be Elected at Primaries.--All candidates of political parties, as defined in section 801 of this act, for the offices of United States Senator, Representative in Congress and for all other elective public offices within this State, except that of presidential electors, shall be nominated, and party delegates and alternate delegates, committeemen and officers who, under the provisions of Article VIII of this act or under the party rules, are required to be elected by the party electors, shall be elected at primaries held in accordance with the provisions of this act, except as otherwise provided in this act. In the years when candidates for the office of President of the United States are to be nominated, every registered and enrolled member of a political party shall have the opportunity at the Spring primary in such years to vote his preference for one person to be the candidate of his political party for President.
(902 amended May 23, 1949, P.L.1656, No.504)
Section 903. Offices for Which Candidates Are to Be Nominated to Be Ascertained.--It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, prior to each primary, to ascertain the various national and State offices to be filled at the ensuing November election, and for which candidates are to be nominated at such primary, and otherwise, in accordance with the provisions of this act. It shall be the duty of each county board of elections, prior to each primary, to ascertain the various public offices in said county and in the cities, boroughs, towns, townships, wards, school districts, poor districts and election districts thereof, to be filled at the ensuing November election, and for which candidates are to be nominated at such primary, and otherwise, in accordance with the provisions of this act.
Section 904. Municipal Clerks and Party Chairmen to Furnish Information as to Offices to Be Filled.--To assist the respective county boards in ascertaining the offices to be filled, it shall be the duty of the clerks or secretaries of the various cities, boroughs, towns, townships and school districts, with the advice of their respective solicitors, on or before the thirteenth Tuesday preceding the Municipal primary, to send to the county boards of their respective counties a written notice setting forth all city, borough, town, township and school district offices to be filled in their respective subdivisions at the ensuing municipal election, and for which candidates are to be nominated at the ensuing primary. It shall also be the duty of the chairman of the State committee of each political party to forward to the Secretary of the Commonwealth and to the respective county boards, on or before the thirteenth Tuesday preceding the General primary, a written notice setting forth the number of delegates and alternate delegates to the National convention of such party who are to be elected in the State at large at the ensuing primary, and the number of such delegates and alternate delegates who are to be elected at said primary in such county, or in any district within such county, or of which it forms a part. The said notice shall also set forth the number of members of the National committee, if any, who, under the National party rules, are to be elected at the said primary in the State at large, and the number of members of the State committee to be elected at the said primary in such county, or in any district, or part of a district within such county. It shall also be the duty of the chairman of the county committee and, in cases where a city is coextensive with a county, the chairman of the city committee of each party, on or before the thirteenth Tuesday preceding the General primary, to send to the county board of such county a written notice setting forth all party offices to be filled in the county at the ensuing primary.
(904 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 905. Secretary of the Commonwealth to Notify County Board of Certain Nominations to Be Made.--On or before the thirteenth Tuesday preceding each primary, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall send to the county board of each county a written notice designating all the offices for which candidates are to be nominated therein, or in any district of which such county forms a part, or in the State at large, at the ensuing primary, and for the nomination to which candidates are required to file nomination petitions in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, including that of President of the United States; and shall also in said notice set forth the number of presidential electors, United States Senators, Representatives in Congress and State officers, including senators, representatives and judges of courts of record, to be elected at the succeeding November election by a vote of the electors of the State at large, or by a vote of the electors of the county, or of any district therein, or of any district of which such county forms a part.
(905 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 906. Publication of Notice of Officers to Be Nominated and Elected.--Beginning not earlier than twelve weeks, nor later than eleven weeks before any General or Municipal primary, the county board of each county shall publish in newspapers, as provided by section 106 of this act, a notice setting forth the number of delegates and alternate delegates to the National convention of each party who are to be elected in the State at large at the ensuing primary, and the number of delegates and alternate delegates who are to be elected at the said primary in said county, or in any district of which said county or part thereof forms a part, and also setting forth the names of all public offices for which nominations are to be made, and the names of all party offices, including that of members of the National committee, if any, and State committee, for which candidates are to be elected at said primary in said county, or in any district of which such county or part thereof forms a part, or in the State at large. Said notice shall contain the date of the primary, and shall be published once each week for two successive weeks in counties of the first and second class and once in all other counties.
(906 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 907. Nomination Petitions to Be Filed.--The names of candidates for nomination as President of the United States, and the names of all other candidates for party nominations, and for election as delegates, alternate delegates, members of committees and other party officers, shall be printed upon the official primary ballots or ballot labels of a designated party, upon the filing of separate nomination petitions in their behalf, in form prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, signed by duly registered and enrolled members of such party who are qualified electors of the State, or of the political district, as the case may be, within which the nomination is to be made or election is to be held. Nomination petitions of delegates and alternate delegates to National conventions committed to support a particular presidential candidate must be signed by the particular presidential candidate to whom support is pledged before it can be certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The name of no candidate shall be placed upon the official ballots or ballot labels of a political party to be used at any primary, unless such petition shall have been filed in his behalf. In no event shall any person's name be printed upon the official ballots or ballot labels of any party for the office of delegate, alternate delegate, member of committee or other party officer, unless he is a duly registered and enrolled member of said party.
(907 amended Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
Section 908. Manner of Signing Nomination Petitions; Time of Circulating.--Each signer of a nomination petition shall sign but one such petition for each office to be filled, and shall declare therein that he is a registered and enrolled member of the party designated in such petition: Provided, however, That where there are to be elected two or more persons to the same office, each signer may sign petitions for as many candidates for such office as, and no more than, he could vote for at the succeeding election. He shall also declare therein that he is a qualified elector of the county therein named, and in case the nomination is not to be made or candidates are not to be elected by the electors of the State at large, of the political district therein named, in which the nomination is to be made or the election is to be held. He shall add his address where he is duly registered and enrolled, giving city, borough or township, with street and number, if any, and shall legibly print his name and add the date of signing, expressed in words or numbers: Provided, however, That if the said political district named in the petition lies wholly within any city, borough or township, or is coextensive with same, it shall not be necessary for any signer of a nomination petition to state therein the city, borough or township of his residence. No nomination petition shall be circulated prior to the thirteenth Tuesday before the primary, and no signature shall be counted unless it bears a date affixed not earlier than the thirteenth Tuesday nor later than the tenth Tuesday prior to the primary.
(908 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 909. Petition May Consist of Several Sheets; Statement of Circulator.--Said nomination petition may be on one or more sheets, and different sheets must be used for signers resident in different counties. If more than one sheet is used, they shall be bound together when offered for filing if they are intended to constitute one petition, and each sheet shall be numbered consecutively beginning with number one, at the foot of each page. In cases of petitions for delegate or alternate delegate to National conventions, each sheet shall contain a notation indicating the presidential candidate to whom he is committed or the term "uncommitted." Each sheet shall have appended thereto the statement of the circulator of each sheet, setting forth, subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities)--(a) that he or she is a qualified elector of the Commonwealth, who is duly registered and enrolled as a member of the party designated in said petition, unless said petition relates to the nomination of a candidate for a court of common pleas, for the Philadelphia Municipal Court or for justice of the peace, in which event the circulator need not be a duly registered and enrolled member of the designated party; (b) his residence, giving city, borough or township, with street and number, if any; (c) that the signers thereto signed with full knowledge of the contents of the petition; (d) that their respective residences are correctly stated therein; (e) that they all reside in the county named in the statement; (f) that each signed on the date set opposite his name; and (g) that, to the best of the circulator's knowledge and belief, the signers are qualified electors and duly registered and enrolled members of the designated party of the State, or of the political district, as the case may be.
(909 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Section 910. Affidavits of Candidates.--Each candidate for any State, county, city, borough, incorporated town, township, ward, school district, poor district, election district, party office, party delegate or alternate, or for the office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress, shall file with his nomination petition his affidavit stating--(a) his residence, with street and number, if any, and his post-office address; (b) his election district, giving city, borough, town or township; (c) the name of the office for which he consents to be a candidate; (d) that he is eligible for such office; (e) that he will not knowingly violate any provision of this act, or of any law regulating and limiting nomination and election expenses and prohibiting corrupt practices in connection therewith; (f) unless he is a candidate for judge of a court of common pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court or for the office of school director in a district where that office is elective or for the office of justice of the peace that he is not a candidate for nomination for the same office of any party other than the one designated in such petition; (g) if he is a candidate for a delegate, or alternate delegate, member of State committee, National committee or party officer, that he is a registered and enrolled member of the designated party; (h) if he is a candidate for delegate or alternate delegate the presidential candidate to whom he is committed or the term "uncommitted"; (i) that he is aware of the provisions of section 1626 of this act requiring pre-election and post-election reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures; and (j) that he is not a candidate for an office which he already holds, the term of which is not set to expire in the same year as the office subject to the affidavit. In cases of petitions for delegate and alternate delegate to National conventions, the candidate's affidavit shall state that his signature to the delegate's statement, as hereinafter set forth, if such statement is signed by said candidate, was affixed to the sheet or sheets of said petition prior to the circulation of same. In the case of a candidate for nomination as President of the United States, it shall not be necessary for such candidate to file the affidavit required in this section to be filed by candidates, but the post-office address of such candidate shall be stated in such nomination petition.
(910 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Section 911. Statement of Candidates for Delegates to National Conventions.--Each candidate for election as delegate or alternate delegate to a National party convention may include, with his affidavit, the statement hereinafter set forth in this section; but his failure to include such statement shall not be a valid ground, on the part of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for refusal to receive and file his nomination petition. Such statement, if signed, shall be signed on all the sheets of said petition, together with the date of signing and shall be in substantially the following form:
Delegate's Statement
I hereby declare to the voters of my political party in the (here insert "State of Pennsylvania," if a delegate or alternate delegate at large; otherwise, insert "..........District") that, if elected and in attendance as a delegate to the National convention of the party, I shall, with all fidelity, to the best of my judgment and ability, in all matters coming before the convention, support (here insert name of presidential candidate) for President of the United States and shall use all honorable means within my power to aid in securing the nomination for such candidate for President.
................................................................
(Signature of candidate for delegate or alternate delegate, and date of signing.)
On the ballots or ballot labels used at a primary, after or under the name of each candidate for delegate or alternate delegate to a National party convention, shall appear the words "committed to (here insert name of presidential candidate)" or "uncommitted" according to whether the candidate included, or failed to include, the above statement with his affidavit.
(911 amended Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
Section 912. Number of Signers Required; Nomination Petitions of Candidates at Primaries Shall Be Signed.--(912 repealed Dec. 12, 1984, P.L.968, No.190)
Section 912.1. Number of Signers Required for Nomination Petitions of Candidates at Primaries.--Candidates for nomination of offices as listed below shall present a nominating petition containing at least as many valid signatures of registered and enrolled members of the proper party as listed below:
(1) President of the United States: Two thousand.
(2) United States Senate: Two thousand.
(3) Governor: Two thousand including at least one hundred from each of at least ten counties.
(4) Lieutenant Governor: One thousand including at least one hundred from each of at least five counties.
(5) Treasurer: One thousand including at least one hundred from each of at least five counties.
(6) Auditor General: One thousand including at least one hundred from each of at least five counties.
(7) Attorney General: One thousand including at least one hundred from each of at least five counties.
(8) Justice of the Supreme Court: One thousand including at least one hundred from each of at least five counties.
(9) Judge of the Superior Court: One thousand including at least one hundred from each of at least five counties.
(10) Judge of the Commonwealth Court: One thousand including at least one hundred from each of at least five counties.
(11) For any other office to be filled by the vote of the electors of the State at large or for any other party office to be elected by the electors of the State at large: One thousand including at least one hundred from each of at least five counties.
(12) Representative in Congress: One thousand.
(13) Senator in the General Assembly: Five hundred.
(14) Representative in the General Assembly: Three hundred.
(15) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in counties of the first class at large: One thousand.
(16) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in counties of the second class at large: Five hundred.
(17) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in cities of the first class at large: One thousand.
(18) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in counties of the second class A at large: Two hundred fifty.
(19) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in counties of the third class at large: Two hundred fifty.
(20) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in counties of the fourth class at large: Two hundred fifty.
(21) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in cities of the second class at large: Two hundred fifty.
(22) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in cities of the second class A at large: One hundred.
(23) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in cities of the third class at large: One hundred.
(24) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in counties of the fifth class at large: One hundred.
(25) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in counties of the sixth class at large: One hundred.
(26) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in counties of the seventh class at large: One hundred.
(27) Public or party offices to be filled by a vote of the electors in counties of the eighth class at large: One hundred.
(28) Office of judge of any court of record other than a Statewide court or a court in a county of the first or second class: Two hundred fifty.
(29) District delegate or alternate district delegate to a National party convention: Two hundred fifty.
(30) Member of State committee: One hundred.
(31) Office of district council member in a city of the first class: Seven hundred fifty.
(31.1) Office of district council member in a city of the second class: One hundred.
(32) Office of magisterial district judge: One hundred, but only for a candidate's primary election when the candidate does not already hold the office of magisterial district judge. A sitting magisterial district judge elected to the office shall not be required to file a nominating petition under this section to run for the office of magisterial district judge but may instead file a certificate of nomination for reelection specifying the intent to seek reelection to the office. If a sitting magisterial district judge files a certificate of nomination for reelection, the sitting magisterial district judge may not challenge the nominating petition of another candidate for magisterial district judge.
(33) Office of judge of election: Ten.
(34) Inspector of elections: Five.
(35) School director: Ten.
(36) All other public and party offices: Ten.
(912.1 amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Compiler's Note: Section 3 of Act 2 of 1999 provided that section 912.1 is repealed insofar as it is inconsistent with Act 2.
Section 912.2. Nominations by Minor Political Parties.--(a) Notwithstanding any other provision in this act to the contrary, minor political parties shall nominate all of their candidates for the offices to be filled at the ensuing November election pursuant to section 903 in accordance with the requirements of section 951, other than subsection (e)(6) and (7) thereof, and section 954, and shall obtain the required signatures during the same time frame available to political bodies. Minor political parties shall be subject to the provisions of this act applicable to political parties with respect to special elections, voter registration forms, substituted nominations and all other purposes except as otherwise expressly provided in this section. "Minor political party" shall mean a political party as defined in section 801(a) or (b) whose State-wide registration is less than fifteen per centum of the combined State-wide registration for all State-wide political parties as of the close of the registration period immediately preceding the most recent November election. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall prescribe forms or, if there is insufficient time, make appropriate conforming changes in existing forms to carry out the purposes of this section.
(b) All nomination papers circulated and filed pursuant to this section shall specify--(1) the name or appellation of the minor political party which the candidates nominated thereby represent and, in the case of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, the names of the candidates for President and Vice President of such minor political party; (2) the name of each candidate nominated therein, his profession, business or occupation, if any, and his place of residence with street and number, if any; and (3) the office for which such candidate is nominated. No words shall be used in any nomination paper to designate the name or appellation of the minor political party represented by the candidate's name in such nomination paper which are identical with or deceptively similar to the words used for a like purpose by any minor political party which has already filed nomination papers for the same office. Any petition to set aside a nomination paper on account of the name or appellation used therein, or involving the right of the signers thereof to use such name or appellation, or on any other account, shall be decided as in the case of other petitions to set aside nomination papers, in the manner provided by this article.
(c) Each person filing any nomination paper for public office shall be given a statement composed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth setting forth his duties under law to file pre-election and post-election campaign finance reports and the penalties for nonfiling. Each person filing any nomination paper for public office shall be given a form to file expenses if the amount received or expended or liabilities incurred shall exceed the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and a form containing a sworn statement that the amount received or expended or liabilities incurred do not exceed the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), with written instructions prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Within three weeks after such candidate has filed, the appropriate supervisor shall mail the same forms and instructions to such candidate by first class mail.
(912.2 added Feb. 19, 1986, P.L.29, No.11)
Section 913. Place and Time of Filing Nomination Petitions; Filing Fees.--(a) Nomination petitions in the case of candidates for the office of President of the United States, United States Senator, Representative in Congress and for all State offices, including senators, representatives and judges of courts of record, for the office of delegate or alternate delegate to National party conventions, and for the office of a member of a State or National committee, shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Nomination petitions in all other cases shall be filed with the county boards of election of the respective counties. Nomination petitions for candidates for any office to be voted for by the electors of any city, borough, township, ward or school district which is situate in two or more counties, shall be filed with the county board of the county in which the major number of the registered electors of such city, borough, township, ward or school district reside. Immediately after the last day for such candidates to withdraw and after they have cast lots for their position on the ballots or ballot labels, the said county board shall certify to the county board of each other county involved a list of the names, addresses and occupations of the candidates so filing nomination petitions for each party, together with the order in which their names are to appear upon the primary ballots or ballot labels, and such other county board shall prepare the primary ballots or ballot labels to be used in the portion of such city, borough, township, ward or school district situate in such county accordingly.
(b) ((b) repealed Dec. 12, 1984, P.L.968, No.190)
(b.1) Each person filing any nomination petition shall pay for each petition, at the time of filing, a filing fee to be determined as follows, and no nomination petition shall be accepted or filed, unless and until such filing fee is paid by a certified check or money order or also by cash when filed with the county board. All moneys paid on account of filing fees shall be transmitted by the county board to the county treasurer and shall become part of the General Fund. Certified checks or money orders in payment of filing fees shall be made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or to the county, as the case may be, and shall be transmitted to the State Treasurer or to the county treasurer and shall become part of the General Fund.
1. If for the office of President of the United States, or for any public office to be filled by the electors of the State at large, the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00).
2. If for the office of Representative in Congress, the sum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
3. If for the office of judge of a court of record, excepting judges to be voted for by the electors of the State at large, the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00).
4. If for the offices of Senator or Representative in the General Assembly, for any office to be filled by the electors of an entire county, for the office of district councilman in a city of the first class and for any office other than school district office to be filled by the electors of an entire city, the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00), except as provided in paragraph 4.1.
4.1. If for nonschool board offices for any third class city official, the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
6. If for the office of delegate or alternate delegate to National party convention, or member of National committee or member of State committee, the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
7. If for the office of constable, the sum of ten dollars ($10.00).
8. If for the office of district councilman in a city of the second class or the office of district justice, the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00).
((b.1) amended Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
(b.2) A filing fee shall not be paid for a nomination petition for any public office for which no compensation is provided by law, nor for any nomination petition for any public officer in any borough, town or township nor any party officer except as provided above nor for any nomination petition for judge of election or inspector of elections. ((b.2) amended Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
(c) The filing fees herein provided for shall not be refunded in the event of the withdrawal of any candidate named in any petition, or for any other cause whatsoever.
(d) All nomination petitions shall be filed on or before the tenth Tuesday prior to the primary. ((d) amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
(e) The office in which a nomination petition is filed shall issue to the person filing the nomination petition a receipt containing the date and time of filing, the name of the candidate and the office for which he is a candidate. ((e) added Dec. 2, 1976, P.L.1221, No.269)
(f) Each person filing any nomination petition for public office shall be given a statement composed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth setting forth his duties under law to file pre-election and post-election campaign finance reports, and the penalties for nonfiling. Each person filing shall also be given a form to file expenses if the amount received or expended or liabilities incurred shall exceed the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and a form containing a sworn statement that the amount received or expended or liabilities incurred do not exceed the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), with written instructions prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Within three weeks after such candidate has filed, the appropriate supervisor shall mail the same forms and instructions to such candidate by first class mail. ((f) added July 21, 1979, P.L.189, No.63)
Petitions to be filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall be received in said office not later than 5 o'clock P.M. on the last day for filing same, and all petitions to be filed with any county board of elections shall be received in said office not later than the ordinary closing hour of said office on the last day for filing same. (Par. amended June 28, 1947, P.L.1055, No.451)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Compiler's Note: Section 3 of Act 2 of 1999 provided that section 913 is repealed insofar as it is inconsistent with Act 2.
Section 914. Withdrawal of Candidates.--Any of the candidates for nomination or election at any primary may withdraw his name as a candidate by a request in writing, signed by him and acknowledged before an officer empowered to administer oaths, and filed in the office in which his nomination petition was filed. Such withdrawals, to be effective, must be received in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth not later than 5 o'clock P. M. on the fifteenth day next succeeding the last day for filing nomination petitions in said office, and in the office of any county board of elections, not later than the ordinary closing hour of said office on the fifteenth day next succeeding the last day for filing nomination petitions in said office. No name so withdrawn shall be printed on the ballot or ballot labels. No candidate may withdraw any withdrawal notice already received and filed, and thereby reinstate his nomination petition.
(914 amended July 11, 1980, P.L.591, No.127)
Section 915. Casting of Lots for Position of Names Upon the Primary Ballots or Ballot Labels; Notice to Candidates.--Immediately after the last day fixed for filing of such nomination petitions with them, the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board, as the case may be, shall fix a day for the casting of lots, in such manner as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, or county board, as the case may be, for the position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall give at least two (2) days notice by mail of said date to all candidates whose petitions have been received and filed in his office, and the county board shall give at least two (2) days notice of said date by posting thereof in a conspicuous place in its office, and by publication once in at least two newspapers of general circulation published in the county. All candidates may appear in person, or by agent duly authorized by letter of attorney, signed and acknowledged by an officer empowered to take acknowledgments. In the event of any of said candidates not being present in person or by representative at the time of casting of lots, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board, as the case may be, to appoint some person to represent such absentee. After said lots are cast, the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board, as the case may be, shall accordingly establish the order in which the names of said candidates are to appear upon the primary ballots or ballot labels, and certify the same for placing upon the official primary ballots or ballot labels.
Section 916. Secretary of the Commonwealth to Furnish County Boards with List of Candidates; Candidates to Be Notified.--The Secretary of the Commonwealth, as soon as possible after the last day fixed for the filing of nomination petitions with him, and after the last day for the withdrawal of candidates filing such nomination petitions, and after the candidates shall have cast lots for the position of their names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels, shall forward to the county board of each county a correct list of candidates of each party for the various offices, in the order in which they are to appear upon the official ballots or ballot labels, with their respective residences, giving city, borough, town or township, and post-office addresses as shown in their affidavits; and shall also at the same time notify the said candidates by mail that their names have been so certified to said county boards. In the case of each candidate for delegate or alternate delegate to a National party convention, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall certify as to whether such candidate has included with his affidavit the statement provided for in section 911 of this act and in cases where such candidate has committed himself to a particular presidential preference, the name of the presidential candidate to whom he is committed.
(916 amended Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
Section 917. Manner of Filling Vacancy Caused by Death of Person Named in Nomination Petition.--Where a nomination petition has been duly filed for any primary, under the provisions of this article, and thereafter, and before the day of the primary, the candidate named in said petition dies, the original signers of said petition, or the majority of them, may sign another petition proposing a new candidate for said office at any time prior to the printing of the ballots or ballot labels. Said petition shall have the same force and effect as the original petition, and the name of the candidate so nominated shall be substituted for that of the deceased candidate.
Section 918. Presidential Electors; Selection by Nominees; Certification; Vacancies.--The nominee of each political party for the office of President of the United States shall, within thirty days after his nomination by the National convention of such party, nominate as many persons to be the candidates of his party for the office of presidential elector as the State is then entitled to. If for any reason the nominee of any political party for President of the United States fails or is unable to make the said nominations within the time herein provided, then the nominee for such party for the office of Vice-President of the United States shall, as soon as may be possible after the expiration of thirty days, make the nominations. The names of such nominees, with their residences and post-office addresses, shall be certified immediately to the Secretary of the Commonwealth by the nominee for the office of President or Vice-President, as the case may be, making the nominations. Vacancies existing after the date of nomination of presidential electors shall be filled by the nominee for the office of President or Vice-President making the original nomination. Nominations made to fill vacancies shall be certified to the Secretary of the Commonwealth in the manner herein provided for in the case of original nominations.
Section 919. Ballots; Ballot Boxes; Voting Machines and Other Supplies for Primaries.--Ballots and ballot boxes, or voting machines where used, and other supplies for primaries shall be prepared, provided and delivered to the district election officers, in accordance with the provisions of this act, in so far as they are applicable to primaries.
Section 920. Conduct of Primaries.--Primaries shall be conducted by the district election officers, clerks and machine inspectors, if any, of each election district, and the votes cast thereat counted and returned in the manner provided in Article XII of this act, in so far as it is applicable to primaries.
Section 921. Primary Election Returns.--The returns made by the district election officers of the votes cast at primaries shall be received by the respective county boards of election, and tabulated and computed by them, and their returns to the Secretary of the Commonwealth tabulated and computed by him in the manner provided by Article XIV of this act, in so far as it is applicable to primaries.
Section 922. Which Candidates Nominated.--Candidates of the various political parties for nomination, except for the office of President of the United States, who receive a plurality of votes of their party electors in the State, or in the political district, as the case may be, at the primary election, together with the candidates for the office of presidential elector nominated as herein provided, shall be candidates of their respective parties, and it shall be the duty of the proper county boards to print their names upon the official ballots and ballot labels at the succeeding election: Provided, That when a candidate for nomination shall have died before or on the day of the primary election and shall nevertheless receive a plurality of votes of his party electors cast for the office for which he sought nomination, then no candidate shall have been nominated for the office at such primary and a substituted nomination may be made in the manner hereinafter provided.
(922 amended May 6, 1943, P.L.196, No.100)
Section 922.1. Setting Aside Nominations of Candidates.--With respect to any office that was in existence on the thirteenth Tuesday before the primary and for which nominations were made at the primary or by nomination papers, whenever it shall appear that said office has been abolished in accordance with any act of assembly or legal proceeding, the county board of elections shall set aside all nominations made for any such office and shall remove such office block affected, if any, from the ballots or ballot labels for the ensuing November election.
(922.1 added Jun. 2, 1965, P.L.93, No.63)
Section 923. Nominee in Case of Tie Vote.--In the case of a tie, the candidates receiving the tie vote shall cast lots before the county board or the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as the case may be, at twelve o'clock noon on the third Friday following the primary, and the one to whom the lot shall fall shall be entitled to the nomination. In any case where the fact of a tie vote is not authoritatively determined until after the third Wednesday following the primary, the time for casting lots shall be at twelve o'clock noon on the second day after the fact of such tie vote is authoritatively determined. If any candidate or candidates, receiving a tie vote, fail to appear before twelve o'clock noon on said day, the county board or the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as the case may be, shall cast lots for him or them. For the purpose of casting lots any candidate may appear in person, or by proxy appointed in writing.
(b) Nomination of Candidates by Political Bodies
Section 951. Nominations by Political Bodies.--(a) In addition to the party nominations made at primaries, nomination of candidates for any public office may also be made by nomination papers signed by qualified electors of the State, or of the electoral district for which the nomination is made, and filed in the manner herein provided. Such nomination papers shall be in form prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and no other forms than the ones so prescribed shall be used for such purposes.
(b) Where the nomination is for any office to be filled by the electors of the State at large, the number of qualified electors of the State signing such nomination paper shall be at least equal to two per centum of the largest entire vote cast for any elected candidate in the State at large at the last preceding election at which State-wide candidates were voted for. In the case of all other nominations, the number of qualified electors of the electoral district signing such nomination papers shall be at least equal to two per centum of the largest entire vote cast for any officer, except a judge of a court of record, elected at the last preceding election in said electoral district for which said nomination papers are to be filed, and shall be not less than the number of signers required for nomination petitions for party candidates for the same office. In cases where a new electoral district shall have been created, the number of qualified electors signing such nomination papers, for candidates to be elected at the first election held after the creation of such district, shall be at least equal to two per centum of the largest vote cast in the several election districts, which are included in the district newly created, for any officer elected in the last preceding election. ((b) amended Dec. 22, 1971, P.L.613, No.165)
(c) Each person signing a nomination paper shall declare therein that he is a qualified elector of the State or district, as the case may be, and shall add to his signature his legibly printed name and residence, giving city, borough or township, with street and number, if any, and shall also add the date of signing, expressed in words or numbers: Provided, however, That if said political district named in the papers lies wholly within any city, borough or township, or is coextensive with same, it shall not be necessary for any signer of a paper to state therein the city, borough or township of his residence. No elector shall sign more than one nomination paper for each office to be filled, unless there are two or more persons to be elected to the same office, in which case he may sign nomination papers for as many candidates for such office as, and no more than, he could vote for at the succeeding election. More than one candidate may be nominated by one nomination paper and candidates for more than one office may be nominated by one nomination paper: Provided, That each political body nominating does not nominate more candidates than there are offices to be voted for at the ensuing election: And provided, That all the signers on each nomination paper are qualified to vote for all the candidates nominated therein. ((c) amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
(d) Nomination papers may be on one or more sheets and different sheets must be used for signers resident in different counties. If more than one sheet is used, they shall be bound together when offered for filing if they are intended to constitute one nomination paper, and each sheet shall be numbered consecutively, beginning with number one (1) at the foot of each page. Each sheet shall have appended thereto the statement of some person, not necessarily a signer, and not necessarily the same person on each sheet, setting forth, subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities)--(1) ((1) deleted by amendment); (2) the person's residence, giving city, borough or township with street and number, if any; (3) that the signers signed with full knowledge of the contents of the nomination paper; (4) that their respective residences are correctly stated therein; (5) that they all reside in the county named in the statement; (6) that each signed on the date set opposite his name; and (7) that, to the best of the person's knowledge and belief, the signers are qualified electors of the State, or of the electoral district, as the case may be. ((d) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(e) There shall be appended to each nomination paper offered for filing an affidavit of each candidate nominated therein, stating--(1) the election district in which he resides; (2) the name of the office for which he consents to be a candidate; (3) that he is eligible for such office; (4) that he will not knowingly violate any provision of this act, or of any law regulating and limiting election expenses, and prohibiting corrupt practices in connection therewith; (5) that his name has not been presented as a candidate by nomination petitions for any public office to be voted for at the ensuing primary election, nor has he been nominated by any other nomination papers filed for any such office; (6) that in the case where he is a candidate for election at a general or municipal election, he was not a registered and enrolled member of a party thirty (30) days before the primary held prior to the general or municipal election in that same year; (7) that, in the case where he is a candidate for election at a special election, he is not a registered and enrolled member of a party; and (8) that he is not a candidate for an office which he already holds, the term of which is not set to expire in the same year as the office subject to the affidavit. ((e) amended May 12, 2006, P.L.178, No.45)
Section 951.1. Limitations on Eligibility of Candidates.--Any person who is a registered and enrolled member of a party during any period of time beginning with thirty (30) days before the primary and extending through the general or municipal election of that same year shall be ineligible to be the candidate of a political body in a general or municipal election held in that same year nor shall any person who is a registered and enrolled member of a party be eligible to be the candidate of a political body for a special election.
(951.1 added July 12, 1980, P.L.649, No.134)
Section 952. Contents of Nomination Papers; Restriction on Names; Campaign Finances.--All nomination papers shall specify--(a) The name or appellation of the political body which the candidates nominated thereby represent, expressed in not more than three words, and in the case of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, the names of the candidates for President and Vice-President of such political body; (b) the name of each candidate nominated therein, his profession, business or occupation, if any; and his place of residence with street and number, if any; (c) the office for which such candidate is nominated; and (d) the names and addresses of the committee, not to be less than three (3) nor more than five (5) persons, authorized to fill vacancies, if any shall occur. No words shall be used in any nomination paper to designate the name or appellation of the political body represented by the candidates named in such nomination paper which are identical with or deceptively similar to the words used for a like purpose by any existing political party as defined by section 801 of this act, or which contain part of the name or an abbreviation of the name or part of the name of any existing political party; nor shall any words be used in any nomination paper to designate the name or appellation of the political body represented by the candidate's name in such nomination paper which are identical with or deceptively similar to the words used for a like purpose by any political body which has already filed nomination papers for the same office nor which contain part of the name or an abbreviation of the name or part of the name of a political body which has already filed nomination papers for the same office. Any petition to set aside a nomination paper on account of the name or appellation used therein, or involving the right of the signers thereof to use such name or appellation shall be decided as in the case of other petitions to set aside nomination papers, in the manner provided by this article.
Each person filing any nomination paper for public office shall be given a statement composed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth setting forth his duties under law to file pre-election and post-election campaign finance reports, and the penalties for nonfiling. Each person filing shall also be given a form to file expenses if the amount received or expended or liabilities incurred shall exceed the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and a form containing a sworn statement that the amount received or expended or liabilities incurred do not exceed the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), with written instructions prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Within three weeks after such candidate has filed, the appropriate supervisor shall mail the same forms and instructions to such candidate by first class mail.
(952 amended July 21, 1979, P.L.189, No.63)
Section 953. Place and Time of Filing Nomination Papers.--
(a) Nomination papers for candidates for presidential electors, United States Senators, Representatives in Congress, and State offices, including senators, representatives and judges of courts of record, shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Nomination papers for all other candidates shall be filed with the county boards of elections of the respective counties. Nomination papers for candidates for any office to be voted for by the electors of any city, borough, township, ward or school district which is situate in two or more counties shall be filed with the county board of the county in which the major number of the registered electors of such city, borough, township, ward or school district reside. Immediately after the last day for withdrawals of candidates nominated by nomination papers, the said county board shall certify to the county board of each other county involved a list of the names, addresses and occupations of the candidates so nominated to be voted for in two or more counties, together with the names or appellations of the political bodies nominating them.
(b) No nomination paper shall be circulated prior to the tenth Wednesday prior to the primary, and no signature shall be counted unless it bears a date affixed not earlier than the tenth Wednesday prior to the primary nor later than the second Friday subsequent to the primary. ((b) amended July 12, 1980, P.L.649, No.134)
(c) All nomination papers must be filed on or before the second Friday subsequent to the primary. ((c) amended July 12, 1980, P.L.649, No.134)
(d) The office in which a nomination paper is filed shall issue to the person filing the nomination paper a receipt containing the date and time of filing, the name of the candidate and the office for which he is a candidate. ((d) added Dec. 2, 1976, P.L.1221, No.269)
(e) For the primary election in the year 1982, the time schedule relating to circulating and filing of nominating petitions, filing of objections, and casting of lots for position on the ballot or ballot labels for the Office of Representative in Congress shall be delayed twenty-one (21) days from the times otherwise specified in this act and the time for withdrawal of candidates for such office shall be delayed fourteen (14) days from the time otherwise specified in this act. ((e) added Mar. 3, 1982, P.L.127, No.42)
Section 954. Filing Fee.--The same filing fee shall be paid for each candidate nominated by a nomination paper as required in section 913 for the filing of nomination petitions by candidates for nomination to the same office. Each nomination paper nominating a candidate or a group of candidates for office shall be accompanied by a certified check or money order drawn in the proper amount to cover the filing fees for each candidate nominated therein but in no case less than the sum of five dollars ($5.00), and payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or to the county, as the case may be. All fees so received by the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county election board shall be transmitted to the State Treasurer or to the county treasurer, as the case may be, and shall become part of the General Fund.
(954 amended Sept. 11, 1959, P.L.877, No.351)
(c) Objections; Withdrawals; Certifications
Section 976. Examination of Nomination Petitions, Certificates and Papers; Return of Rejected Nomination Petitions, Certificates and Papers.--When any nomination petition, nomination certificate or nomination paper is presented in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth or of any county board of elections for filing within the period limited by this act, it shall be the duty of the said officer or board to examine the same. No nomination petition, nomination paper or nomination certificate shall be permitted to be filed if--(a) it contains material errors or defects apparent on the face thereof, or on the face of the appended or accompanying affidavits; or (b) it contains material alterations made after signing without the consent of the signers; or (c) it does not contain a sufficient number of signatures as required by law; Provided, however, That the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board of elections, although not hereby required so to do, may question the genuineness of any signature or signatures appearing thereon, and if he or it shall thereupon find that any such signature or signatures are not genuine, such signature or signatures shall be disregarded in determining whether the nomination petition, nomination paper or nomination certificate contains a sufficient number of signatures as required by law; or (d) in the case of nomination petitions, if nomination petitions have been filed for printing the name of the same person for the same office, except the office of judge of a court of common pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court or the office of school director in districts where that office is elective or the office of justice of the peace upon the official ballot of more than one political party; or (e) in the case of nomination papers, if the candidate named therein has filed a nomination petition for any public office for the ensuing primary, or has been nominated for any such office by nomination papers previously filed; or (f) if the nomination petitions or papers are not accompanied by the filing fee or certified check required for said office; or (g) in the case of nomination papers, the appellation set forth therein is identical with or deceptively similar to the words used by any existing party or by any political body which has already filed nomination papers for the same office, or if the appellation set forth therein contains part of the name, or an abbreviation of the name or part of the name of an existing political party, or of a political body which has already filed nomination papers for the same office. The invalidity of any sheet of a nomination petition or nomination paper shall not affect the validity of such petition or paper if a sufficient petition or paper remains after eliminating such invalid sheet. The action of said officer or board in refusing to receive and file any such nomination petition, certificate or paper, may be reviewed by the court upon an application to compel its reception as of the date when it was presented to the office of such officer or board: Provided, however, That said officer or board shall be entitled to a reasonable time in which to examine any petitions, certificates or papers, and to summon and interrogate the candidates named therein, or the persons presenting said petitions, certificates or papers, and his or their retention of same for the purpose of making such examination or interrogation shall not be construed as an acceptance or filing.
Upon completion of any examination, if any nomination petition, certificate or paper is found to be defective, it shall forthwith be rejected and returned to the candidate or one of the candidates named therein, together with a statement of the reasons for such rejection:
Provided further, That no nomination petition, nomination paper or nomination certificate shall be permitted to be filed, if the political party or political body referred to therein shall be composed of a group of electors whose purposes or aims, or one of whose purposes or aims, is the establishment, control, conduct, seizure or overthrow of the Government of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the United States of America by the use of force, violence, military measure or threats of one or more of the foregoing. The authority to reject such nomination petition, paper or certificate for this reason shall, when filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, be vested in a committee composed of the Governor, the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and when filed with any county board of elections shall be vested in such board. If in such case the committee or board, as the case may be, shall conclude that the acceptance of such nomination petition, paper or certificate should be refused, it shall within two days of the filing of such nomination petition, paper or certificate fix a place and a time five days in advance for hearing the matter, and notice thereof shall be given to all parties affected thereby. At the time and place so fixed the committee or board, as the case may be, shall hear testimony, but shall not be bound by technical rules of evidence. The testimony presented shall be stenographically recorded and made a part of the record of the committee or board. Within two days after such hearing the committee or board, if satisfied upon competent evidence that the said nomination petition, paper or certificate is not entitled to be accepted and filed, it shall announce its decision and immediately notify the parties affected thereby. Failure to announce decision within two days after such hearing shall be conclusive that such nomination petition, paper or certificate has been accepted and filed. The decision of said committee or board in refusing to accept and file such nomination petition, paper or certificate may be reviewed by the court upon an application to compel its reception as of the date when presented to the Secretary of the Commonwealth or such board. The application shall be made within two days of the time when such decision is announced. If the application is properly made, any judge of said court may fix a time and place for hearing the matter in dispute, of which notice shall be served with a copy of said application upon the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board of elections, as the case may be. At the time so fixed, the court, or any judge thereof assigned for the purpose, shall hear the case de novo. If after such hearing the said court shall find that the decision of the committee or the board was erroneous, it shall issue its mandate to the committee or board to correct its decision and to accept and file the nomination paper, petition or certificate. From any decision of the court an appeal may be taken within two days after the entry thereof. It shall be the duty of the said court to fix the hearing and to announce its decision within such period of time as will permit the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board of elections to permit the names of the candidates affected by the court's decision to be printed on the ballot, if the court should so determine.
(976 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Compiler's Note: Section 509 of Act 223 of 1970 provided that section 976 is repealed insofar as it vests jurisdiction and powers in courts in any manner inconsistent with Act 223, provides a time for appeal to an appellate court which is other than the time expressly provided in section 502 of Act 223, provides appeal procedures inconsistent with Act 223 or is otherwise in any manner inconsistent with Act 223.
Section 977. Objections to Nomination Petitions and Papers.--All nomination petitions and papers received and filed within the periods limited by this act shall be deemed to be valid, unless, within seven days after the last day for filing said nomination petition or paper, a petition is presented to the court specifically setting forth the objections thereto, and praying that the said petition or paper be set aside. A copy of said petition shall, within said period, be served on the officer or board with whom said nomination petition or paper was filed. Upon the presentation of such a petition, the court shall make an order fixing a time for hearing which shall not be later than ten days after the last day for filing said nomination petition or paper, and specifying the time and manner of notice that shall be given to the candidate or candidates named in the nomination petition or paper sought to be set aside. On the day fixed for said hearing, the court shall proceed without delay to hear said objections, and shall give such hearing precedence over other business before it, and shall finally determine said matter not later than fifteen (15) days after the last day for filing said nomination petitions or papers. If the court shall find that said nomination petition or paper is defective under the provisions of section 976, or does not contain a sufficient number of genuine signatures of electors entitled to sign the same under the provisions of this act, or was not filed by persons entitled to file the same, it shall be set aside. If the objections relate to material errors or defects apparent on the face of the nomination petition or paper, the court, after hearing, may, in its discretion, permit amendments within such time and upon such terms as to payment of costs, as the said court may specify. In case any such petition is dismissed, the court shall make such order as to the payment of the costs of the proceedings, including witness fees, as it shall deem just. If a person shall sign any nomination petitions or papers for a greater number of candidates than he is permitted under the provisions of this act, if said signatures bear the same date, they shall, upon objections filed thereto, not be counted on any petition or paper and if they bear different dates, they shall be counted in the order of their priority of date, for only so many persons as there are candidates to be nominated or elected. The office of the Prothonotary of the Commonwealth Court and the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the various offices of prothonotary of the court of common pleas shall be open between the hours of eight-thirty o'clock A.M. and five o'clock P.M. on the last day to withdraw after filing nomination petitions and on the last day to file objections to nomination petitions.
(977 amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
Section 978. Withdrawal of Nominated Candidates.--(a) Any person who has been nominated by any political party in accordance with the provisions of this act, as a candidate for the office of presidential elector, United States Senator, Representative in Congress or for any State office, including that of senator, representative and judge of court of record, may withdraw his name from nomination by request in writing, signed by him and acknowledged before an officer qualified to take acknowledgement of deeds, and filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Any person who has been similarly nominated as a candidate for any other office may withdraw his name from nomination by similar request, filed with the county board of elections of the proper county. Such written withdrawals shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board of elections, as the case may be, at least eighty-five (85) days previous to the day of the general or municipal election. Such withdrawals to be effective must be received in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth not later than five (5) o'clock P. M. on the last day for filing same, and in the office of any county board of elections not later than the ordinary closing hour of said office on the last day for filing same. No name so withdrawn shall be printed upon the ballot or ballot labels. No candidate may withdraw any withdrawal notice already received and filed, and thereby reinstate his nomination.
(b) Any person who has been nominated by any political body in accordance with the provisions of this act, as a candidate for the office of presidential elector, United States Senator, Representative in Congress or for any State office, including that of senator, representative and judge of a court of record, may withdraw his name from nomination by request in writing, signed by him and acknowledged before an officer qualified to take acknowledgment of deeds and filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Any person who has been similarly nominated as a candidate for any other office may withdraw his name from nomination by a similar request, filed with the county board of elections of the proper county. Such written withdrawals shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board of elections, as the case may be, not later than the ordinary closing hour of said office on the seventh day next succeeding the last day for filing nomination papers for said office. No name so withdrawn shall be printed upon the ballot or ballot labels. No candidate may withdraw any withdrawal notice already received and filed and thereby reinstate his nomination.
(978 amended July 11, 1980, P.L.591, No.127)
Section 978.1. Vacancy in Party Nomination by Failure to Pay Filing Fee or for Failure to File Loyalty Oath.--Every person nominated at any primary election as the candidate of any political party for any office, other than a borough, town, township, school district or poor district office, or the office of justice of the peace, or constable, who has not paid the filing fee required by section nine hundred thirteen of this act, as amended, for the filing of a nomination petition for such office, or who has not filed the loyalty oath required by section 14, act of December 22, 1951 (P.L.1726), known as the "Pennsylvania Loyalty Act," as last amended June 19, 1961 (P.L.446), shall pay the amount of such fee to and file such oath with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, or the county board of elections, as the case may be, at least eighty-five (85) days previous to the day of the general or municipal election at which such candidate's name would appear on the ballot. Failure to pay such fee or file such oath within the time herein prescribed shall result in a vacancy in such party nomination. Such vacancy shall be filled in the manner hereinafter provided for the filling of such vacancies happening by reason of the death or withdrawal of any candidate.
(978.1 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379 and repealed in part Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Section 978.2. Revocation of Declaration of Candidacy for Retention.--In the event a justice or a judge had filed a declaration of candidacy for retention under the provisions of section 15 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and thereafter, but on or before the thirteenth Tuesday preceding the primary election, revoked the declaration by notifying the Secretary of the Commonwealth in writing of the same, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall include such office in certifications under provisions of section 905.
(978.2 added January 16, 1974, P.L.5, No.2)
Section 978.3. Vacancy Due to Revocation of Declaration of Candidacy for Retention.--In the event a justice or a judge had filed a declaration of candidacy for retention under the provisions of section 15 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and thereafter, but after the thirteenth Tuesday preceding the primary election and prior to sixty (60) days preceding the municipal election revoked the declaration by notifying the Secretary of the Commonwealth in writing of the same, nomination to fill such vacancy shall be made in accordance with section 993 of this act.
(978.3 added Jan. 16, 1974, P.L.5, No.2)
Section 978.4. Withdrawal; Order of Court.--Upon petition to the court of common pleas, or the Commonwealth Court, when a court of common pleas is without jurisdiction, by a candidate for nomination or election, or, in the case of the death of such candidate by the treasurer of his political committee, the court shall order the withdrawal of said candidate's name for nomination or election, except upon a showing of special circumstances.
(978.4 added July 11, 1980, P.L.591, No.127)
Section 979. Substituted Nominations by Parties.--Any vacancy happening or existing after the date of the primary in any party nomination, by reason of the death or withdrawal of any candidate after nomination, or by reason of the death before or on the day of the primary election of a candidate for nomination who had received a plurality of votes of his party electors cast for the office for which he sought nomination, may be filled by a substituted nomination made by such committee as is authorized by the rules of the party to make nominations in the event of vacancies on the party ticket: Provided, however, That no substitute nomination certificate shall nominate any person who has already been nominated by any political party or by any other political body for the same office. Upon the making of any such substituted nomination, in accordance with the party rules, it shall be the duty of the chairman and secretary or secretaries of the party committee making the nomination to file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth in the case of United States Senator, Representative in Congress and all State officers, including judges of courts of records, senators and representatives, and with the proper county board of elections in the case of other offices, a nomination certificate which shall be signed by the chairman and secretary or secretaries of the said committee, and which shall set forth the following:
(a) The office and district, if any, for which it is filed; (b) the cause of the vacancy; (c) the rule or rules of the political party, setting forth the provisions applicable to a substituted nomination; (d) that a quorum of the committee, caucus or convention, as provided by the party rules, duly convened, and the names of those present at said meeting, or their proxies; that said persons are the duly appointed or elected members of said committee, caucus or convention; (e) the name, residence and occupation of the candidate duly nominated at said meeting. Every such certificate of nomination shall be sworn to or affirmed by the chairman and secretary or secretaries before an officer qualified to administer oaths.
(979 amended May 6, 1943, P.L.196, No.100)
Section 980. Substituted Nominations by Political Bodies.--In case of the death or withdrawal of any candidate nominated by any political body by nomination papers, the committee named in the original nomination papers may nominate a substitute in his place by filing in the proper office a substituted nomination certificate, which shall set forth the facts of the appointment and powers of the committee (naming all its members), of the death or withdrawal of the candidate and of the action of the committee thereon, giving the name, residence and occupation of the candidate substituted thereby, and the truth of these facts shall be verified by the affidavit annexed to the certificate of at least two members of the committee. In the case of a vacancy caused by the death of any candidate, said substituted nomination certificate shall be accompanied by a death certificate, properly certified: Provided, however, That no substitute nomination certificate shall nominate any person who was a candidate for nomination by any political party for any office to be filled at the ensuing November election, whether or not nominated for such office by such political party, or who has already been nominated by any other political body for any office to be filled at the ensuing November or special election.
(980 amended July 5, 1947, P.L.1358, No.537)
Section 981. Time for Filing Substituted Nomination Certificates.--(a) Substituted nomination certificates to fill vacancies caused by the withdrawal of candidates nominated at primaries or by nomination papers shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth or proper county board of elections, as the case may be, at least seventy-five (75) days before the day of the general or municipal election: Provided, however, That no substituted nomination certificate by a political body may be filed until after the primary election. ((a) amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
(b) Substituted nomination certificates to fill vacancies caused by the death of candidates nominated at primaries or by nomination papers shall be filed at the proper office at any time prior to the day on which the printing of ballots is started.
Section 981.1. Affidavits of Candidates.--Each candidate for any State, county, city, borough, incorporated town, township, ward, school district, poor district or election district office, or for the office of United States Senator or Representative in Congress, selected as provided in sections 979 and 980 of this act, shall file with the substituted nomination certificate an affidavit stating--(a) his residence, with street and number, if any, and his post-office address; (b) his election district, giving city, borough, town or township; (c) the name of the office for which he consents to be a candidate; (d) that he is eligible for such office; (e) that he will not knowingly violate any provision of this act, or of any law regulating and limiting election expenses and prohibiting corrupt practices in connection therewith; (f) unless he is a candidate for judge of a court of common pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court or for the office of school board in a district where that office is elective or for the office of justice of the peace, that he is not a candidate for the same office of any party or political body other than the one designated in such certificate; (g) that he is aware of the provisions of section 1626 of this act requiring election and post-election reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures; and (h) that he is not a candidate for an office which he already holds, the term of which is not set to expire in the same year as the office subject to the affidavit.
(981.1 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Section 982. Objections to Substituted Nomination Certificates.--All substituted nomination certificates may be objected to, as provided in section 977 of this act, except objections to substituted nomination certificates must, in any case, be filed within three (3) days after the filing of the substituted nomination certificate: Provided, however, That no objections as to form and conformity to law, shall be received after the day on which the printing of ballots is started.
(982 amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
Section 983. Preservation of Nomination Petitions, Certificates and Papers.--All nomination petitions, certificates and papers shall be preserved in the offices where they have been filed for a period of at least two years.
Section 984. Certification of Nominees by Secretary of the Commonwealth to County Boards.--The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall, as soon as possible after the last day fixed for the filing of substituted nomination certificates for any November election of presidential electors, United States Senator, Representative in Congress or State officers, including judges of courts of record, senators and representatives, or upon constitutional amendments or other questions to be submitted to the electors of the State at large, transmit to the county board of elections of each county, in which such election is to be held, an official list, certified by him, of all of the candidates who have been nominated in accordance with the provisions of this act, to be voted for in such county at such election, substantially in the form of the ballots to be used therein, and also a copy of the text of all constitutional amendments and other questions to be voted upon at such election, together with a statement of the form in which they are to be printed on the ballots or ballot labels.
(984 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
(d) Nominations and Elections in Counties about
to Undergo a Change in Classification
(Hdg. added May 24, 1951, P.L.363, No.81)
Section 990. County Boards to Ascertain Offices to be Filled.--Whenever, pursuant to the provisions of The General County Law, the Governor certifies a change of classification to any county, the board of county commissioners shall, immediately after the recording of such change, notify the county board of elections of the change in classification. The board of elections shall thereupon promptly ascertain all county offices to be filled at the ensuing municipal election as a result of the impending change in classification and any existing county offices which are not to be filled at said election. For this purpose, it shall be the duty of the chairman of the county committee of each party to send to the board a written notice setting forth all party offices to be filled in the county at the ensuing municipal election.
(990 added May 24, 1951, P.L.363, No.81)
Section 991. Procedure upon Ascertaining Offices.--When the board shall have ascertained all offices to be filled at the ensuing municipal election, it shall proceed, as already provided in this article, if it is still possible to secure nominations for such offices in accordance with this article at the primary election. But if notice of an impending change in classification, as hereinbefore provided for, does not come to the election board in time for it to ascertain the county offices for the primary election, then all candidates who have been or are nominated for county offices pursuant to subdivision (a) or to subdivision (b) of this article shall, in all cases where the offices for which they are nominated are the same under the county's present classification and under its new classification which is impending as a result of the Governor's certification, be the candidates for those offices, except for deaths or withdrawals provided for in this act: Provided, however, That no office which is not automatically established by law for the impending classification shall be deemed to be established by this section. Any nomination, either for joint county offices or for any separate county office, when such offices or office will become either partly or wholly separate, or will become joint with one or more presently separate county office, upon the ensuing first Monday of January, shall not be construed as a nomination for any of the said offices, but any person being such a nominee may be nominated for any new office or offices ascertained. All offices ascertained, which are to be filled at the municipal election in anticipation of the new classification and for which nominations have not been made pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this subdivision, may have candidates nominated for them as if vacancies had occurred as to the candidates for such offices and as if they were substituted nominations, in accordance with the procedure, insofar as it is applicable, provided by sections 979, 980 and 981 (b) of this act, for substituted nominations, except that the cause of vacancy set out in the nomination certificates shall not be death or withdrawal, but that the office was not ascertained for nominations in time for the regular procedures established by this article.
Upon the ascertainment of the offices to be filled at the ensuing municipal election, if it shall appear that any candidates have been or will be nominated for offices which are to be abolished as a result of the impending change in classification, the county board of elections shall proceed to keep off or to remove from the ballots or ballot labels all such nominations, together with the offices involved.
Upon the ascertainment of offices to be filled at the municipal election pursuant to notice of change in classification, the board shall give notice of all such offices by newspaper publication, at least twice, in accordance with section 106 of this act, indicating whether the nominations thereto were obtained at the primary election or are to be obtained as hereinbefore provided. Notice of the November election shall be given, as provided in section 1201 of this act, and shall set forth, (1) any existing county offices which will cease to exist on the ensuing first Monday of January, indicating that those offices and any candidates therefor will not appear as such upon the ballots or ballot labels; (2) existing county offices which will subsist and the candidates therefor; (3) county offices which will come into existence on the ensuing first Monday of January and the candidates therefor.
(991 added May 24, 1951, P.L.363, No.81)
(e) Nominations to Fill Certain Vacancies
(Hdg. added Aug. 26, 1953, P.L.1479, No.434)
Section 993. Filling of Certain Vacancies in Public Office by Means of Nomination Certificates and Nomination Papers.--(a) In all cases where a vacancy shall occur for any cause in an elective public office, including that of judge of a court of record, at a time when such vacancy is required by the provisions of the Constitution or the laws of this Commonwealth to be filled at the ensuing election but at a time when nominations for such office cannot be made under any other provision of this act, nominations to fill such vacancies shall be made by political parties in accordance with party rules relating to the filling of vacancies by means of nomination certificates in the form prescribed in section nine hundred ninety-four of this act, and by political bodies by means of nomination papers in accordance with the provisions of sections nine hundred fifty-one, nine hundred fifty-two and nine hundred fifty-four of this act. No such nomination certificate shall nominate any person who has already been nominated by any other political party or by any political body for the same office unless such person is a candidate for the office of judge of a court of common pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court or for the office of school director in districts where that office is elective or for the office of justice of the peace. No such nomination papers shall nominate any person who has already been nominated by any political party or by any other political body for any office to be filled at the ensuing November election, unless such person is a candidate for the office of judge of a court of common pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court or for the office of school director in districts where that office is elective or for the office of justice of the peace. ((a) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(b) Said nomination certificates and nomination papers for State public offices and judges of courts of records shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth at least fifty (50) days prior to a general or municipal election, as the case may be. Nomination certificates and nomination papers for public offices in counties, cities, boroughs, towns, townships, wards and school districts and for the offices of aldermen and justices of the peace shall be filed in the office of the county board of elections at least fifty (50) days prior to a municipal election. ((b) amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
(c) The provisions of this subdivision shall not be construed to apply to elective public offices for which a method is provided in this act for the holding of special elections to fill vacancies in certain public offices, or to the filling of vacancies in the office of presidential electors in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred eighteen of this act. Nor shall the provisions of this subdivision be construed to apply to any public office for which, by the provisions of any statute, a vacancy is required to be filled at the next election appropriate to the office, if said vacancy occurs at any time within two (2) calendar months immediately preceding a general or municipal election, as the case may be.
(993 added Aug. 26, 1953, P.L.1479, No.434)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Section 994. Number, Form and Requirements of Nomination Certificates to Fill Certain Vacancies.--(a) Each political party shall be entitled to nominate and to file nomination certificates in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-three of this act for the purpose of supplying as many candidates as each elector will be entitled to vote for at the ensuing November election. Every nomination certificate for a November election required under the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-three of this act shall be in the form prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and shall set forth the following:
(1) The office and district, if any, for which it is filed;
(2) The cause of the vacancy;
(3) The rule or rules of the political party setting forth the provisions applicable to the nomination of a candidate or candidates to fill said vacancy;
(4) That a quorum of the committee, caucus or convention as provided by the party rules duly convened and the names of those present at said meeting or their proxies that said persons are the duly appointed or elected members of said committee, caucus or convention;
(5) The name, residence and occupation of the candidate duly nominated at said meeting.
(b) Every such certificate of nomination shall be signed by the presiding officer and the secretary or secretaries of the committees, caucus or convention and shall be sworn or affirmed to by them before any officer qualified to administer oaths.
(994 added Aug. 26, 1953, P.L.1479, No.434)
Section 995. Secretary of the Commonwealth or County Board of Elections to Examine Nomination Certificates and Nomination Papers to Fill Certain Vacancies; Review.--(a) It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the proper county board of elections, as the case may be, to examine as to legal sufficiency, in the manner and under the provisions of section nine hundred seventy-six of this act, all nomination certificates and nomination papers brought to his or its office for the purpose of filing for the nomination of candidates for a general or municipal election, as the case may be, in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-three of this act, and if manifestly defective they shall not be filed.
(b) No such certificate of nomination or nomination paper shall be refused by the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board of elections except for a reason provided for in section nine hundred seventy-six of this act.
(c) The action of the Secretary of the Commonwealth or the county board of elections in refusing to accept and file any such certificate or paper may be reviewed by the court upon an application to compel its reception and filing as of the date when it was brought to said office. ((c) repealed in part Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
(995 added Aug. 26, 1953, P.L.1479, No.434)
Section 996. Objections to Certificates of Nomination and Nomination Papers Filed to Fill Certain Vacancies for a November Election; Hearing; Determination.--(a) All certificates of nomination and nomination papers to fill certain vacancies in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-three of this act which have been accepted and filed shall be deemed to be valid unless, within three (3) days next succeeding the last day for filing such certificates or papers, objections thereto are duly made in writing and filed in the court and with the officer or board with whom said nomination certificates or papers were filed. Any objections shall set forth specifically the matters objected to. ((a) repealed in part Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
(b) Upon the filing of the objections, the court shall make an order fixing a time for hearing, which shall not be later than seven (7) days after the last day for filing nomination certificates or papers, and specifying the time and manner of notice that shall be given to the candidate named in the nomination certificate or paper objected to. On the day fixed for said hearing, the court shall proceed without delay to hear said objections and shall give such hearing precedence over any other business before it and shall finally determine said matter promptly.
(996 added Aug. 26, 1953, P.L.1479, No.434)
Section 997. Withdrawals of Candidates Nominated to Fill Certain Vacancies at a November Election.--(a) Any person who has been nominated by any political party or political body to fill certain vacancies at a November election in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-three of this act may withdraw his name from nomination by a request in writing signed by him and acknowledged before an officer qualified and empowered to administer oaths and filed in the office of the officer or board with whom the nomination certificate or nomination papers were filed within three (3) days next succeeding the last day for filing nomination certificates or papers. Such withdrawals to be effective must be received at the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth not later than five (5) o'clock P. M. or at the county board of elections not later than the ordinary closing hour of its office on the last day for filing same.
(b) No names so withdrawn shall be printed on the ballot or ballot labels.
(c) No candidate may withdraw any withdrawal notice already received and filed and thereby reinstate his nomination.
(997 added Aug. 26, 1953, P.L.1479, No.434)
Section 998. Substituted Nominations to Fill Certain Vacancies for a November Election.--(a) Any vacancy happening or existing in any party nomination made in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-three of this act for a November election by reason of the death or withdrawal of any candidate may be filled by a substituted nomination made by such committee as is authorized by the rules of the party to make nominations in the event of vacancies on the party ticket, in the form prescribed by section nine hundred ninety-four of this act. But no substituted nomination certificate shall nominate any person who has already been nominated by any other political party or by any political body for the same office, unless such person is a candidate for the office of judge of a court of common pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court or for the office of school director in districts where that office is elective or for the office of justice of the peace. ((a) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(b) In case of the death or withdrawal of any candidate nominated by a political body for an election, the committee named in the original nomination papers may nominate a substitute in his place by filing a substituted nomination certificate in the form and manner prescribed by section nine hundred eighty of this act. In the case of a vacancy caused by the death of any candidate, said nomination certificate shall be accompanied by a death certificate properly certified. No substituted nomination certificate shall nominate any person who has already been nominated by any political party or by any other political body for any office to be filled at the ensuing November election, unless such person is a candidate for the office of judge of a court of common pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court or for the office of school director in districts where that office is elective or for the office of justice of the peace. ((b) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(c) Substituted nomination certificates to fill vacancies caused by the withdrawal of candidates nominated for a November election in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-three of this act shall be filed with the officer or board with whom the original nomination certificates or papers were filed not later than seven (7) days after the last day for filing the original nomination certificates or papers.
(d) Substituted nomination certificates to fill vacancies caused by the death of candidates nominated for a November election in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-three of this act shall be filed in the office of the officer or board with whom the original nomination certificates or papers were filed at any time prior to the day in which the printing of ballots is started.
(998 added Aug. 26, 1953, P.L.1479, No.434)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Section 999. Objections to Substituted Nomination Certificates Filed to Fill Certain Vacancies for November Election.--All substituted nomination certificates for a November election filed in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-eight of this act may be objected to as provided in section nine hundred eighty-two of this act.
(999 added Aug. 26, 1953, P.L.1479, No.434)
Section 999.1. Candidates to Fill Certain Vacancies; Certification of Nominees by Secretary of the Commonwealth to County Election Boards.--The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall certify, in accordance with section nine hundred eighty-four of this act, the names and residences of and parties or political bodies represented by all candidates whose nomination certificates or papers have been filed with him in accordance with the provisions of section nine hundred ninety-three or subdivision (e) of this act for a general or municipal election, as the case may be, and have not been found and declared invalid, and to be voted for in the county or any district or districts thereof.
(999.1 added Aug. 26, 1953, P.L.1479, No.434)
ARTICLE X
Ballots
Section 1001. Official Ballots to Be used.--All primaries and elections in this Commonwealth shall be conducted by ballot, except in districts in which voting machines are used under the provisions of Article XI of this act. All ballots used at primaries and elections in election districts in which ballots are used, shall be provided by the respective county boards of elections, in accordance with the provisions of this act, and, except as otherwise provided in this act, only official ballots furnished by the county boards of elections shall be cast or counted at any primary or election in any district in which ballots are used.
Section 1002. Form of Official Primary Ballot.--(a) At primaries separate official ballots shall be prepared for each party which shall be in substantially the following form:
Official............................... Primary Ballot.
(Name of Party)
........District,........Ward, City of........................,
County of..............................., State of Pennsylvania
........Primary election held on the.....day of........., 19...
Make a cross (X) or check (✓) in the square to the right of each candidate for whom you wish to vote. If you desire to vote for a person whose name is not on the ballot, write or stamp his name in the blank space provided for that purpose. Mark ballot only in black lead pencil, indelible pencil or blue, black or blue-black ink in fountain pen or ball point pen. Use the same pencil or pen for all markings you place on the ballot.
President of the United States.
(Vote for one)
John Doe
Richard Roe
John Stiles
United States Senator.
(Vote for one)
John Doe
Richard Roe
John Stiles
Governor.
(Vote for one)
John Doe
Richard Roe
John Stiles
Representative in Congress.....District.
(Vote for one)
John Doe
Richard Roe
John Stiles
Delegates at Large to National Convention.
(Vote for.....)
John Doe
(Committed to Jeremiah Smith)
John Stiles
(Uncommitted)
Delegate to National Convention.....District.
(Vote for.....)
John Doe
(Committed to Jeremiah Smith)
John Stiles
(Uncommitted)
Senator in the General Assembly.....District.
(Vote for one)
John Doe
Richard Roe
John Stiles
Member of State Committee.
(Vote for one)
John Doe
Richard Roe
John Stiles
Party Committeemen.
(Vote for.....)
John Doe
Richard Roe
John Stiles
((a) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(b) On the back of each ballot shall be printed in prominent type the words "OFFICIAL PRIMARY BALLOT OF ........PARTY FOR" followed by the designation of the election district for which it is prepared, the date of the primary and the facsimile signatures of the members of the county board of elections. The names of candidates shall in all cases be arranged under the title of the office for which they are candidates, and be printed thereunder in the order determined by the casting of lots as provided by this act. Under the title of such offices where more than one candidate is to be voted for, shall be printed "Vote for not more than ........" (the blank space to indicate the number of candidates to be voted for the particular office.) At the right of the name of each candidate there shall be a square of sufficient size for the convenient insertion of a cross (x) or check (✓) mark. There shall be left at the end of the list of candidates for each office (or under the title of the office itself in case there be no candidates who have filed nomination petitions therefor) as many blank spaces as there are persons to be voted for, for such office, in which space the elector may insert, by writing or stamping, the name of any person whose name is not printed on the ballot as a candidate for such office. Opposite or under the name of each candidate, except candidates for the office of President of the United States and candidates for delegate or alternate delegate to a National Party Convention, who is to be voted for by the electors of more than one county, shall be printed the name of the county in which such candidate resides; and opposite or under the name of each candidate except candidates for delegate or alternate delegate to a National Party Convention who is to be voted for by the electors of an entire county or any congressional, senatorial or representative district within the county, shall be printed the name of the city, borough, township or ward, as the case may be, in which such candidate resides. ((b) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(c) The ballot shall vary in form only as the names of districts, offices, candidates or the provisions of this act may require.
(d) At the written request of a State committee, filed with the party rules and on the deadline provided by section 808.1 of this act, a party may have a "no preference" column added to the list of candidates for the office of President of the United States at the primary election. The ballot position for "no preference" shall be drawn in the same manner as the other candidates for that office: Provided, however, That this position shall be drawn by the Secretary of the Commonwealth or his or her designee. ((d) added July 21, 1979, P.L.189, No.63)
Section 1003. Form of Official Election Ballot.--
(a) The official ballots for general, municipal and special elections shall be in substantially the following form:
OFFICIAL BALLOT
....................... District, ........................ Ward,
City of ........................, County of ...................,
State of Pennsylvania ..........................................
Election held on the .......... day of ................, 20.....
A cross (X) or check (✓) mark in the square opposite the name of any candidate indicates a vote for that candidate.
To vote for a person whose name is not on the ballot, write or stamp his name in the blank space provided for that purpose. A cross (X) or check (✓) mark in the square opposite the names of the candidates of any party for President and Vice-President of the United States indicates a vote for all the candidates of that party for presidential elector. To vote for individual candidates for presidential elector, write or stamp their names in the blank spaces provided for that purpose under the title "Presidential Electors." Mark ballot only in black lead pencil, indelible pencil or blue, black or blue-black ink, in fountain pen or ball point pen; use the same pencil or pen for all markings you place on the ballot.
Before leaving the voting compartment, fold this ballot, without displaying the markings thereon, in the same way it was folded when received, then leave the compartment and exhibit the ballot to one of the election officers who shall ascertain by an inspection of the number appearing upon the right hand corner of the back of the ballot whether the ballot so exhibited to him is the same ballot which the elector received before entering the voting compartment. If it is the same, the election officer shall direct the elector, without unfolding the ballot, to remove the perforated corner containing the number, and the elector shall immediately deposit the ballot in the ballot box. Any ballot deposited in a ballot box at any primary or election without having the said number torn off shall be void and shall not be counted.
Presidential Electors.
(Vote for the candidates of one party for President and Vice President, or insert the names of candidates)
For
John Stiles and Richard Doe......................... Democratic
For
John Doe and Richard Roe............................ Republican
For
John Smith and William Jones......................... Socialist
For
........................ Citizens
United States Senator.
(Vote for one)
Richard Roe ......................................... Democratic
John Doe ............................................ Republican
Richard Stiles ....................................... Socialist
Governor.
(Vote for one)
Richard Roe ......................................... Democratic
John Doe ............................................ Republican
Richard Stiles ....................................... Socialist
Representatives in Congress,
....... District.
(Vote for one)
Richard Roe ......................................... Democratic
John Doe ............................................ Republican
Richard Stiles ....................................... Socialist
Senator in the General Assembly,
....... District.
(Vote for one)
John Doe ............................................ Democratic
Richard Roe ......................................... Republican
((a) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(b) On the back of each ballot shall be printed in prominent type the words "Official Ballot," followed by the designation of the election district for which it is prepared, the date of the election and the facsimile signatures of the members of the county board of elections. The names of candidates shall be arranged under the title of the office for which they are candidates, and shall be printed thereunder in the order of the votes obtained by the parties or bodies at the last gubernatorial election, beginning with the party obtaining the highest number of votes: Provided, however, That in the case of parties or bodies not represented on the ballot at the last gubernatorial election, the names of the candidates of such parties shall be arranged alphabetically, according to the party name or political appellation. In the case of offices for which two or more candidates are to be voted for, the candidates of each party shall be arranged together in the order of the number of votes obtained by them at the primary, beginning with the candidates obtaining the highest number of votes, and the candidates of each political body shall be arranged in the order in which their names were placed in their nomination paper. Under the title of such offices where more than one candidate is to be voted for, shall be printed "Vote for not more than ........" (the blank space to indicate the number of candidates to be voted for the particular office.) Opposite or under the name of each candidate shall be printed the name or appellation of the political party or political body nominating him, and at the right of such name or appellation there shall be a square of sufficient size for the convenient insertion of a cross (X) or check (✓) mark. ((b) amended Dec. 2, 1976, P.L.1221, No.269)
(c) When presidential electors are to be elected, their names shall not be printed upon the ballot, but in lieu thereof, the names of the candidates of their respective parties or political bodies for President and Vice-President of the United States shall be printed together in pairs under the title "Presidential Electors." All ballots marked for the candidates for President and Vice-President of a party or political body shall be counted as votes for each candidate for presidential elector of such party or political body.
(d) Whenever any candidate shall receive more than one nomination for the same office, his name shall be printed once, and the names of each political party so nominating him shall be printed opposite the name of such candidate, arranged in the same order as candidates names are required to be arranged. At the right of all the party names or appellation shall be a single square of sufficient size for the convenient insertion of a cross (X) or check (✓) mark. ((d) amended July 16, 1968, P.L.354, No.175)
(e) There shall be left at the end of the group of candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States under the title "Presidential Electors," as many blank spaces as there are presidential electors to be elected, in which spaces the elector may insert, by writing or stamping, the names of any individual candidates for presidential electors for whom he desires to vote. There shall also be left at the end of each group of candidates for each other office (or under the title of the office itself in case no candidates have been nominated therefor), as many blank spaces as there are persons to be voted for for such office, in which space the elector may insert the name of any person or persons whose name is not printed on the ballot as a candidate for such office. ((e) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(f) In order that each elector may have the opportunity of designating his choice for all the candidates nominated by one political party or political body, there shall be printed on the extreme left of the ballot, and separated from the rest of the ballot by a space of at least one-half inch, a list of the names of all the political parties or political bodies represented on such ballot which have nominated candidates to be voted for at such election. Such names shall be arranged in the order of the votes obtained at the last gubernatorial election by the candidate for Governor of the parties or bodies nominating, beginning with the party that received the highest number of votes cast. Following the names of such political parties and political bodies shall be the names of the parties and bodies not represented on the ballot at the last gubernatorial election, arranged alphabetically, according to the party name or appellation. A square of sufficient size for the convenient insertion of a cross mark shall be placed at the right of each party name or appellation.
(g) The official ballots shall vary in form only as the names of districts, offices, candidates or the provisions of this act may require. When constitutional amendments or other questions are submitted to a vote of the electors, each amendment or other question so submitted may be printed upon the ballot below the groups of candidates for the various offices, and, when required by law, shall be so printed. Constitutional amendments so submitted shall be printed in brief form, to be determined by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and other questions so submitted shall be printed in brief form, to be determined by the Secretary of the Commonwealth in the case of questions to be voted on by the electors of the State at large, and by the county boards in other cases. To the right of each question there shall be placed the words "yes" and "no," together with appropriate squares to the right of each for the convenient insertion of a cross mark.
(1003 amended Apr. 24, 1947, P.L.68, No.33)
Section 1004. Form of Ballots; Printing Ballots.--From the lists furnished by the Secretary of the Commonwealth under the provisions of sections 915 and 984, and from petitions and papers filed in their office, the county election board shall print the official primary and election ballots in accordance with the provisions of this act: Provided, however, That in no event, shall the name of any person consenting to be a candidate for nomination for any one office, except the office of judge of a court of common pleas, the Philadelphia Municipal Court or the office of school director in districts where that office is elective or the office of justice of the peace be printed as a candidate for such office upon the official primary ballot of more than one party. All ballots for use in the same election district at any primary or election shall be alike.
(1004 amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.
Section 1004.1. Placement of Certain Candidates on Ballots and Voting Machines.--Notwithstanding any other provisions of this act to the contrary, the names of candidates for the party offices of delegate or alternate delegate to a National Party Convention, member of the State committee, member of a county committee and any other party office as prescribed by the bylaws of the political party shall appear at the end of the ballot after the names of the candidates for all public offices. In any case where voting machines are used, the names of the candidates for the aforementioned offices shall appear in the final columns or rows, as the case may be, of the voting machine.
(1004.1 added Dec. 2, 1976, P.L.1221, No.269)
Section 1005. Candidates with Similar Surnames, Occupation to Be Printed.--If two or more candidates for the same office shall have the same or similar surnames, the county board of elections shall, upon the request of any such candidate filed in writing not later than five days after the last day for filing nomination petitions, certificates or papers, print the occupation or residence of any such candidate, so filing a request, on the ballot or ballot labels opposite or under his name.
Section 1006. Names of Substituted Candidates to Be Printed on Ballots.--As soon as any substituted candidate shall have been duly nominated, at any time prior to the day on which the printing of ballots is started, his name shall be substituted in place of that of the candidate who has died or withdrawn.
Section 1007. Number of Ballots to Be Printed; Specimen Ballots.--(a) The county board of each county shall provide for each election district a supply of official election ballots for:
(1) ((1) deleted by amendment).
(2) ((2) deleted by amendment).
(3) ((3) deleted by amendment).
(4) ((4) deleted by amendment).
(5) ((5) deleted by amendment).
(6) ((6) deleted by amendment).
(7) any primary election in an amount equal to at least 50% of the total number of registered electors in an election district, less the number of registered electors in the election district who have requested an absentee or mail-in ballot; and
(8) any general election in an amount equal to at least 100% of the total number of registered electors in an election district, less the number of registered electors in the election district who have requested an absentee or mail-in ballot.
((a) amended July 11, 2022, P.L.745, No.66)
(b) The county board of each county shall also, in addition to the number of ballots required to be printed for general distribution, maintain a sufficient supply of such ballots at the office of the county board for the use of absentee electors or mail-in electors and for the use of any district, the ballots for which may be lost, destroyed or stolen. They shall also cause to be printed on tinted paper, and without the facsimile endorsements or permanent binding, copies of the form of ballots provided for each polling place at each primary or election therein, which shall be called specimen ballots, and which shall be of the same size and form as the official ballots, and at each election they shall deliver to the election officers, in addition to the official ballots to be used at such election, a suitable supply of specimen ballots for the use of the electors. At each primary, a suitable supply of specimen ballots of each party shall be furnished. ((b) amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
(1007 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1008. Forms of Ballots on File and Open to Public Inspection; Ballots and Diagrams to Be Furnished to Candidates and Parties.--
(a) The county board of elections shall have on file in its office after the Thursday before each primary and election, open to public inspection, forms of the ballots and ballot labels. The forms of the ballots and ballot labels shall be published on the county board's publicly accessible Internet website.
(b) On the Thursday before each primary, the county board shall, upon request made at their office, deliver to each candidate whose name is printed on the ballot of any party, or to his authorized representative, without charge, three sample ballots of such party for the entire district.
(c) On the Thursday before each November election, the county board shall, upon request made at their office, deliver to the county chairman or other authorized representative of each political party and political body in the county, without charge, two sample ballots for each election district within the county in which candidates of such party or political body are running for office.
(1008 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1009. County Boards to Cause Ballots to Be Accurately Printed.--It shall be the duty of the county board of elections of each county to cause all the ballots and ballot labels to be used therein to be accurately printed, and they shall be responsible for the safekeeping of the same while in their possession or that of their subordinates or agents.
Section 1010. Correction of Mistakes Appearing on Ballot.--When it is shown by affidavit that mistake or omission has occurred in the printing of official ballots or ballot labels for any primary or election, the court of common pleas of the proper county, or any judge thereof, may, upon the application of any qualified elector of the county, require the county board of elections to correct the mistake or omission, or to show cause why they should not do so.
Section 1011. Record of Ballots to Be Kept.--The county board shall keep a record of the number of official ballots printed and furnished to each election district at each primary and election, and of the number of unused ballots and cancelled ballots subsequently returned therefrom, and also of the disposition of the additional official ballots provided, as required by section 1007 of this act.
(1011 amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
ARTICLE XI
Voting Machines
Section 1101. Definition of Terms.--The list of offices and candidates, and the statements of questions on the voting machine shall be deemed an "official ballot."
As used in this act:
(1) The words "ballot labels" shall mean the cards, paper or other material, containing the names of offices and candidates and statements of questions to be voted on;
(2) The word "diagram" shall mean an illustration of the official ballot, when placed upon the machine, showing the names of the parties, bodies, offices and candidates, and statements of the questions, in their proper places, and shall be considered a specimen ballot;
(3) The word "question" shall mean a statement of such constitutional amendment or other proposition as shall be submitted to a popular vote at any election;
(4) The words "irregular ballot" shall mean the paper or other material on which a vote is cast on a voting machine for persons whose names do not appear on the ballot labels;
(5) The words "vote indicator" shall mean those devices with which votes are indicated for candidates, or for or against questions;
(6) The words "candidate counters," and "question counters," shall mean the counters on which are registered numerically the votes cast for candidates, and on questions, respectively;
(7) The words "public counter" shall mean a counter or other device which shall, at all times, publicly indicate how many times the machine has been operated at an election;
(8) The words "protective counter" shall mean a counter or protective device or devices that will register each time the machine is operated, and shall be constructed and so connected that it cannot be reset, altered or operated, except by operating the machine;
(9) The words "voting machine booth" shall mean the enclosure occupied by the voter when voting;
(10) The word "model" shall mean a mechanically operating model of a portion of the face of the machine, illustrating the manner of voting;
(11) The word "custodian" shall mean the person charged with the duty of testing and preparing the voting machine for the election and instructing the election officers in the use of the voting machine;
(12) The words "election" and "elections," whenever used in this act, shall be held to include and mean all general, municipal, primary and special elections;
(13) The word "borough" shall be held to include incorporated towns;
(14) The word "seal," and other words of the singular number relative thereto, shall include the plural number as applied to a voting machine, designed to be made secure with two or more seals.
Section 1102. Authorization of Voting Machines.--Any county, city, borough or township may, by a majority vote of its qualified electors voting thereon cast at any general or municipal election, authorize and direct the use of voting machines for registering or recording and computing the vote at all elections held in such county, city, borough or township, or in any part thereof.
Section 1103. Placing the Question on the Ballot; Election Thereon.--
(a) The county election board may, upon their own motion, submit to the qualified electors of the county, or of any city, borough or township thereof, at any general or municipal election, the question "Shall voting machines be used in the (county, city, borough or township) of .....................?"
(b) The county election board, upon receipt of a request from the council of any city or borough, or from the commissioners or supervisors of any township, said request being evidenced by the filing of a copy of a resolution certified by the secretary or clerk of the council, commissioners or supervisors, or upon the filing of a petition with them signed by qualified electors of the county, city, borough or township, equal in number to at least ten per cent of the total number of electors who voted in said county, city, borough or township at the preceding general or municipal election, but in no case less than fifty, unless the total number of electors who voted therein at the preceding general or municipal election was less than one hundred, in which case one-half of the number so voting shall be sufficient, shall, at the next general or municipal election, occurring at least sixty days thereafter, submit to the qualified electors of such county, city, borough or township, the question "Shall voting machines be used in the (county, city, borough or township) of ................?" ((b) amended July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
(c) The county board shall cause the said question to be printed upon the ballots to be used at the election, in the form and manner provided by the laws governing general and municipal elections.
(d) The election on said question shall be held at the places, during the hours, and under the regulations, provided by law for holding general and municipal elections, and shall be conducted by the election officers provided by law to conduct such elections. The election officers shall count the votes cast at the elections on said question, and shall make return thereof to the county election board of the county, as required by law. Said returns shall be computed by the county election board, or other return board, and, when so computed, a certificate of the total number of electors voting "Yes" and of the total number of electors voting "No" on such question shall be filed in the office of the county election board, and copies thereof, certified by the county election board, shall forthwith be furnished to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and to the county commissioners or other appropriating authority.
(e) Where the qualified electors of any city, borough or township vote in favor of the adoption of voting machines in such city, borough or township, a vote on the question of adoption of voting machines by the qualified electors of the entire county containing therein such city, borough or township, held at the same time or at a subsequent time, the result of which vote is against the adoption of voting machines, shall not be considered as a vote to discontinue the use of voting machines in such city, borough or township.
(f) If a majority of the electors of any county, city, borough or township, voting on such question, shall vote against the adoption of voting machines, the question shall not again be submitted to the voters of such political subdivision within a period of one hundred and three weeks.
(g) Whenever, under the provisions of this section, the question of the adoption of voting machines is about to be submitted to the electors of any county, city, borough or township, it shall be the duty of the county commissioners, or other authority which levies taxes for county purposes in such county, to ascertain whether current funds will be available to pay for said machines, if adopted and purchased, or whether they have power to increase the indebtedness of the county in an amount sufficient to pay for the same without the consent of the electors and, if such current funds will not be available and the power to increase the indebtedness of the county in a sufficient amount without the consent of the electors is lacking, it shall be the duty of the county commissioners, or other authority aforesaid, to submit to the electors of the county, in the manner provided by law, at the same election at which the adoption of voting machines is to be voted on, the question whether the indebtedness of such county shall be increased, in an amount specified by them, sufficient to pay for such voting machines, if adopted.
Section 1104. Installation of Voting Machines.--(a) (1) If a majority of the qualified electors voting on the question shall vote in the affirmative, the county election board of the said county shall purchase for each election district of such county, city, borough or township, one or more voting machines, of a kind or kinds approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as hereinafter provided, and of sufficient capacity to accommodate the names of a reasonable number of candidates for all public and party offices which, under the provisions of existing laws and party rules, are likely to be voted for at any future election, and shall notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth, in writing, that they have done so. The county election board shall provide machines in good working order, and shall preserve and keep them in repair. Voting machines of different kinds may be used for different election districts in the same county, city, borough or township. In each election district in which voting machines are used, the county election board shall provide an adequate number of voting machines for the electors of the election district in accordance with section 530.
(2) Whenever there shall be a number of candidates in a primary election so great as to require voting machines limited to the candidates of one political party, there shall be two voting machines of the same kind in any district for any party which has more than three hundred and fifty (350) registered qualified electors in that district.
((a) amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
(b) Such voting machines shall be installed, either simultaneously or gradually, in political subdivisions which adopt them. Upon the installation of voting machines in any election district, the use of paper ballots therein shall be discontinued, except as otherwise provided herein.
(c) If voting machines are installed gradually, they may be introduced, in the case of counties, in alphabetical order--by cities, boroughs and townships, so that they will first be used in the city, borough or township, the name of which is first in alphabetical order, and then in the city, borough or township, the name of which is next in alphabetical order, and so on. In cities, boroughs and townships, they shall be introduced in numerical or alphabetical order by wards and election districts, if any, so that they will first be used in the first election district of the first ward, and then in the second election district of the first ward, and so on. After they have been installed in all the election districts in the first ward, they may be installed, in the same manner, in the second ward, then in the third ward, and so on. In any event, the machines shall be installed as rapidly as practicable after the electors have voted in favor of them.
If voting machines are installed gradually they may also be introduced in the case of counties by legislative districts with priority in installation being given to municipalities therein in the order of their descending population rank according to the last official decennial census. Within such municipality the voting machines shall be introduced in numerical order by wards and election districts, if any, so that they will first be used in the first election district of the first ward and then in the second election district of the first ward and so on. After they have been installed in all the election districts in the first ward, they shall be installed in the same manner in the second ward, then in the third ward, and so on.
((c) amended Dec. 27, 1965, P.L.1226, No.500)
(d) If the question hereinbefore provided shall have been submitted to the qualified electors of the county, city, borough or township, and the majority of the electors voting thereon shall have voted favorably thereon, and if the county election board shall not, within one year, have executed their contract or contracts providing for the purchase or procurement of voting machines for use at the next general, municipal or primary election, occurring at least one year and sixty days after the referendum, then the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall forthwith, in writing, notify the said county election board that, after the expiration of thirty days, he, under the authority of this act, on behalf of the said county, will award, make, and execute such contract or contracts, unless the said county election board meanwhile shall have made and executed the same.
(e) If, upon the expiration of said thirty days, the county election board still shall not have made and executed the contract or contracts providing for the delivery of machines as aforesaid, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, on behalf of the said county and upon the approval of the Attorney General as to form, shall thereupon award, make, and execute a contract or contracts for the purchase or procurement of a sufficient number of voting machines, approved as required by this act, for each election district within each such county, city, borough or township; and the cost of such voting machines, including the delivery thereof, and of making and entering into the said contract or contracts, including the preparation and printing of specifications and all other necessary expense incidental thereto, shall be the debt of the said county, and, upon the certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, it shall be the duty of the controller, if any, to allow, and of the treasurer of the county to pay, the sum out of any appropriation available therefor, or out of the first unappropriated moneys that come into the treasury of the county.
(f) Provided, however, that if the county election board or the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as the case may be, shall find it impracticable to procure a voting machine or voting machines for each election district of the county, city, borough or township, for use at the general, municipal or primary election then next ensuing, they or he shall provide as many machines as it shall be practicable to procure, and, as soon thereafter as practicable, shall provide the remainder of such machines required hereunder. The machines shall be installed in the election district or districts, in the manner provided for the gradual introduction of voting machines in paragraph (c) of this section.
(g) Any county, city, borough or township may, by a majority vote of its qualified electors cast at any general election held not earlier than one hundred and three weeks after they have voted to adopt such machines, direct the discontinuance of the use of voting machines at elections held in such county, city, borough or township. The question for the discontinuance of the use of such voting machines shall be submitted to the voters, subject to the same requirements as to resolution or petition and signatures thereon, as is required for the submission of the question on the authorization of the use of such voting machines. Such question for discontinuance must be submitted to the qualified electors of the county or municipality which voted on the question of the adoption of voting machines, and the question of discontinuance shall not be submitted to the qualified electors of any city, borough or township forming a part only of any county which has previously voted to adopt voting machines for the entire county, unless the qualified electors of such city, borough or township have previously, by separate vote of its qualified electors, voted in favor of the adoption of voting machines. Where the qualified electors of any city, borough or township and the qualified electors of the entire county containing therein such city, borough or township, both have voted by separate questions in favor of the adoption of voting machines, a subsequent vote by the qualified electors of the entire county in favor of discontinuance shall not be considered as a vote to discontinue the use of voting machines in such city, borough or township.
Such question as to the discontinuance of the use of voting machines shall be submitted in the following form:
"Shall the use of voting machines be continued in the (city, borough or township), of.....................................?"
(h) If it shall appear at any election that the county board requires additional voting machines for the use of the electors, said county board shall have authority to enter into a contract or contracts for the rental of a sufficient number of machines for said election.
Section 1104.1. Temporary Use of Approved Voting Machines in Certain Cases.--If the question hereinbefore provided shall have been submitted to the qualified electors of the county, and the majority of the electors voting thereon shall have voted favorably thereon, and if the county election board has made a gradual installation of voting machines approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, then such county board of elections may, upon their own motion, authorize the temporary installation of voting machines approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth for primaries and elections in one or more election districts of the county and the use of such voting machines shall be as valid for all purposes as if the voting machines had been permanently installed.
(1104.1 added Dec. 27, 1965, P.L.1226, No.500)
Section 1105. Changing the Boundaries of Election Districts.--
(a) The courts shall, upon petition, divide or redivide any borough, township or ward, where voting machines are adopted, into election districts of compact and contiguous territory, or shall consolidate election districts therein into new districts, each having between six hundred and eight hundred registered voters as nearly as may be, except that districts having less than six hundred registered voters may be created whenever the court shall be of opinion that the convenience of the voters and the public interests will be promoted thereby. ((a) repealed in part Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)
(b) Proceedings for such division or redivision shall be conducted under the provisions of sections 502, 503, 504, 505 and 506.
Section 1106. Examination and Approval of Voting Machines by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.--
(a) Any person or corporation owning, manufacturing or selling, or being interested in the manufacture or sale of, any voting machine, may request the Secretary of the Commonwealth to examine the machine. Any ten or more persons, being qualified electors of this Commonwealth, may, at any time, request the Secretary of the Commonwealth to reexamine any voting machine theretofore examined and approved by him. Before any such examination or reexamination, the person, persons, or corporation, requesting such examination or reexamination, shall pay to the treasurer of the Commonwealth an examination fee of four hundred and fifty dollars ($450). The Secretary of the Commonwealth may, at any time, in his discretion, reexamine any voting machine.
(b) The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall thereupon require such machine to be examined or reexamined by three examiners, whom he shall appoint for the purpose, of whom one shall be an expert in patent law, and the other two shall be experts in mechanics, and shall require of them a written report on such machine, attested by their signatures; and the Secretary of the Commonwealth himself shall examine the machine, and shall make and file in his office, together with the reports of the examiners appointed by him, his own report, attested by his signature and the seal of his office, stating whether, in his opinion and in consideration of the reports of the examiners aforesaid, the kind of machine so examined can be safely used by electors at elections, as provided in this act. If his report states that the machine can be so used, the machine shall be deemed approved, and machines of its kind may be adopted for use at elections, as herein provided.
(c) No kind of voting machine not so approved shall be used at any election, and if, upon the reexamination of any voting machine previously approved, it shall appear that the machine so reexamined can no longer be safely used by electors at elections as provided in this act, the approval of the same shall forthwith be revoked by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and no such voting machine shall thereafter be purchased for use in this Commonwealth.
(d) When a machine has been so approved, no improvement or change that does not impair its accuracy, efficiency or capacity, shall render necessary a reexamination or reapproval of the machine, or of its kind.
(e) Neither the Secretary of the Commonwealth, nor any examiner appointed by him for the purpose prescribed by this section, nor any member of a county election board shall have any pecuniary interest in any voting machine, or in the manufacture or sale thereof.
(f) Each examiner appointed hereunder shall receive a compensation of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) for each different type of voting machine examined by him.
Section 1107. Requirements of Voting Machines.--No voting machine shall, upon any examination or reexamination, be approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, or by any examiner appointed by him, unless it shall, at the time, satisfy the following requirements:
(a) It shall provide facilities for voting for such candidates as may be nominated, and upon such questions as may be submitted.
(b) ((b) deleted by amendment Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(c) It shall permit each voter, at other than primary elections, to vote a ticket selected from the nominees of any and all political parties, from the nominees of any and all political bodies, and from persons not in nomination.
(d) It shall permit each voter to vote, at any election, for any person and for any office for whom and for which he is lawfully entitled to vote, whether or not the name of such person appears upon a ballot label as a candidate for nomination or election, and to vote for as many persons for an office as he is entitled to vote for, and to vote for or against any question upon which he is entitled to vote.
(e) It shall preclude each voter from voting for any candidate, or upon any question, for whom or upon which he is not entitled to vote, and from voting for more persons for any office than he is entitled to vote for, and from voting for any candidate for the same office or upon any question more than once, except in districts and for offices where cumulative voting is authorized by law.
(f) It shall be capable of adjustment by election officers, so as to permit each voter at a primary election to vote only for the candidates for nonpartisan nomination, if any, and for the candidates seeking nomination by the political party in which he is registered and enrolled, if he is enrolled as a member of a political party, and so as to preclude him from voting for the candidates seeking nomination by any political party in which he is not enrolled.
(g) It shall permit each voter to deposit, write in, or affix upon receptacles or devices provided for the purpose, ballots containing the names of persons for whom he desires to vote, whose names do not appear upon the machine.
(h) It shall permit each voter to change his vote for any candidate, or upon any question appearing upon the ballot labels, up to the time he begins the final operation to register his vote, or indicates or expresses his intention to register his vote.
(i) It shall permit and require voting in absolute secrecy, and shall be so constructed that no person can see or know for whom any other elector has voted or is voting, save a voter whom he has assisted or is assisting in voting, as prescribed by law.
(j) It shall have voting devices for separate candidates and questions, which shall be arranged in separate parallel rows or columns, so that, at any primary election, one or more adjacent rows or columns may be assigned to the candidates of a party, and shall have parallel office columns or rows transverse thereto.
(k) It shall have a counter, or other device, the register of which is visible from the outside of the machine, which shall show during any period of voting the total number of voters who have operated the machine during said period of voting.
(l) It shall have a protective counter, or other device, the register of which cannot be reset, which shall record the cumulative total number of movements of the operating mechanism.
(m) It shall be provided with a lock or locks, by the use of which, immediately after the polls are closed, or the operation of the machine for an election is completed, all movement of the registering mechanism is absolutely prevented.
(n) It shall be provided with a screen, hood or curtain, which shall conceal the actions of the voter while voting.
(o) It shall be constructed of material of good quality, in a neat and workmanlike manner.
(p) It shall, when properly operated, register or record correctly and accurately every vote cast.
(q) It shall be so constructed that a voter may readily learn the method of operating it.
(r) It shall be safely transportable.
(s) It shall be so constructed and controlled that, during the progress of voting, it shall preclude every person from seeing or knowing the number of votes registered for any candidate, and from tampering with any of the registering mechanism.
(t) If it is of a type equipped with mechanism for printing paper proof sheets, and not requiring the counters to be made visible in order to canvass the votes recorded on the machine, the door, or other device, concealing such counters, or keeping the same concealed, may be equipped with a lock or locks, requiring the simultaneous use of three separate and substantially different keys to open or operate the same.
Section 1108. Payment for Machines.--The county commissioners, or such other authority as levies the taxes for county purposes of any county which adopts voting machines, or of any county in which a city, borough or township is located which adopts voting machines, shall, upon the purchase thereof, provide for payment therefor by the county: Provided, however, That bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, payable not later than thirty years from their dates of issuance, may be issued in accordance with the provisions of law relating to the increase of indebtedness of counties, to meet all or any part of the cost of the voting machines.
(1108 amended Dec. 27, 1965, P.L.1226, No.500)
Section 1109. Demonstration of Voting Machines.--Whenever a referendum is about to be held upon the adoption of voting machines in any county, city, borough or township, the county election board shall purchase, lease or borrow a reasonable number of voting machines for demonstration purposes in such county, city, borough or township, prior to such referendum.
Section 1110. Form of Ballot Labels on Voting Machines.--
(a) The papers, cards or strips, enclosed within the ballot frame or frames of any voting machine, and containing the names of a candidate or candidates, or political party, or the statement of a question to be voted upon, hereinafter referred to as ballot labels, shall be printed in black ink, upon clear white material, of such size as will fit the ballot frame, and in plain clear type so as to be easily readable by persons with normal vision.
(b) If the construction of the machine shall require it, the ballot label for each candidate, group of candidates, political party, or question, to be voted on, shall bear the designating letter or number of the counter on the voting machine which will register or record votes therefor. Each question to be voted on shall appear on the ballot labels, in brief form, of not more than seventy-five words, to be determined by the Secretary of the Commonwealth in the case of constitutional amendments or other questions to be voted on by the electors of the State at large, and by the county election board in other cases.
(c) The ballot label for each candidate or group of candidates, nominated or seeking nomination by a political party, shall contain the name or designation of the political party.
(d) The titles of offices may be arranged horizontally or vertically, with the names of candidates for an office arranged transversely under or opposite the title of the office. Under the title of such offices where more than one candidate is to be voted for, shall be printed "Vote for not more than ........" (the blank space to indicate the number of candidates to be voted for the particular office.) ((d) amended Dec. 2, 1976, P.L.1221, No.269)
(e) The names of all candidates, nominated or seeking nomination by a political party, shall appear in adjacent rows or columns containing generally the names of candidates nominated or seeking nomination by such party, provided that the names of individual candidates for presidential elector shall not appear upon the ballot labels, but, in lieu thereof, the names of the candidates of said party for President and Vice-President shall be printed on a single ballot label, together with the name of said party.
(f) When the same person has been nominated for the same office by more than one political party, his name shall appear in the rows or columns containing generally, the names of candidates nominated by each such party, his position in such rows or columns to be determined by the number of votes he received at the primary in the party entitled to priority on the ballot as determined by the votes obtained in the State at the last gubernatorial election by the candidate for Governor.
(g) The form and arrangement of ballot labels shall be prepared by the county election board. ((g) amended Sept. 29, 1951, P.L.1571, No.404)
(h) The names of all candidates of a political party shall appear in the same row or column, and except in cases of names of presidential commitments of nominees for delegate or alternate delegate to political party National conventions no other names shall appear in the same row or column. Where the names of the delegate or alternate delegate and the presidential candidate he is supporting shall both appear, the print size of the name of the delegate or alternate delegate shall be equal to the size of the name of the particular presidential candidate to whom he is committed, or in the case where he is uncommitted, the word "uncommitted" shall appear in the same size print. The names of such candidates shall be arranged under or opposite the title of the office for which they are candidates, and shall appear in the order of the votes obtained by the candidate for Governor of the party nominated at the last gubernatorial election, beginning with the party obtaining the highest number of votes: Provided, however, That in the case of parties or bodies not represented on the ballot at the last gubernatorial election, the names of the candidates of such parties shall be arranged alphabetically, according to the party or body name. The names of all candidates of a political body shall appear in the same row or column, and, if the number of parties and bodies permits, each political body shall be entitled exclusively to a separate row or column. If, however, the number of political parties and political bodies renders it impossible or impracticable to so arrange the political bodies, in such case said bodies shall not be entitled to a separate row or column, but shall be listed by political appellations on the first left hand or top row, with the designating letter and number of the ballot label where their candidates may be found, together with the political appellations of other political bodies, whose candidates may be interspersed on the same row or column. Subject to the aforesaid limitations, the form and arrangement of ballot labels, as to the placing thereon of political bodies, shall be within the discretion of the county board. ((h) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(i) In primary elections, the ballot labels, containing the names of candidates seeking nomination by a political party, shall be segregated on the face of the machine in adjacent rows or columns by parties, the priority of such political parties on the ballot labels to be determined in the same manner as provided for determining priority on paper ballots in section 1003 (f) herein.
(j) In primary elections, if it shall be impossible or impracticable to place on the ballot labels of one machine the names of all candidates seeking nomination in all political parties, the county election board may arrange for each election district the names of the candidates on separate voting machines: Provided, however, That the names of all the candidates seeking nomination in any one political party shall appear on one machine.
(k) Except as hereinafter provided in primary elections where there are a sufficient number of ballot frames on one row or column to accommodate all the candidates of a political party, the names of all the candidates shall appear on that row or column in the order that was established under the provisions of sections 915 and 916 of this act. Where there are four or more candidates for a particular office, the names of the candidates may be divided between the rows or columns as equally as possible so long as the order as provided in sections 915 and 916 is maintained. ((k) added Aug. 8, 1963, P.L.614, No.322)
(l) At the written request of a State committee, filed with the party rules and on the deadline prescribed by section 808.1 of this act, a party may have a "no preference" column added to the list of candidates for the office of President of the United States at the primary election. The ballot position for "no preference" shall be drawn in the same manner as the other candidates for that office: Provided, however, That this position shall be drawn by the Secretary of the Commonwealth or his or her designee. ((l) added July 21, 1979, P.L.189, No.63)
(m) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a county election board may, to avoid voter confusion, provide for the use of a color scheme to identify all the candidates for a specific office. ((m) added Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.681, No.169)
(1110 amended Apr. 24, 1947, P.L.68, No.33)
Section 1111. Preparation of Voting Machines by County Election Boards.--
(a) The county election board of each county shall cause the proper ballot labels to be placed on each voting machine which is to be used in any election district within such county; and shall cause each machine to be placed in proper order for voting; shall examine each machine before it is sent out to a polling place; shall see that each registering counter, except the protective counter, on each machine is set at zero (000); shall lock each machine so that the counting machinery cannot be operated, and shall seal each machine with a numbered seal. The county election board or their duly authorized agent shall adjust each machine to be used at a primary election, so that the election officers may lock it on primary election day, in such a way that each voter can vote only for the candidates for nonpartisan nomination, if any, and for the candidates seeking nomination by the political party in which he is enrolled, if he is enrolled as a member of a political party, and so that no voter can vote for the candidates seeking nomination by any political party in which he is not enrolled.
(b) The county election board shall appoint one custodian of voting machines, and such deputy custodians as may be necessary, whose duty it shall be to prepare the machines to be used in the county at the elections to be held therein. Each custodian and deputy custodian shall receive from the county, for each day he is actually employed under the provisions of this act, such compensation as shall be fixed by the county election board, but not less than five dollars ($5.00) per day. Such custodian shall, under the direction of the county election board, have charge of and represent the county election board during the preparation of the voting machines as required by this act, and he and the deputy custodians whose duty it shall be to assist him in the discharge of his duties, shall serve at the pleasure of the county election board. Each custodian shall take the constitutional oath of office, which shall be filed with the county election board.
(c) On or before the fortieth day preceding an election, the county election board shall mail to the chairman of the county committee of each political party, which shall be entitled under existing laws to participate in primary elections within the county, and to the chairman or presiding officer of any organization of citizens within the county having as its purpose or among its purposes the investigation or prosecution of election frauds, which has registered its name and address, and the names of its principal officers with the county election board at least fifty (50) days before such election, a written notice stating the times when and the place or places where preparation of the machines for use in the several election districts in the county will be started. One representative of each of such political parties, certified by the respective chairmen of the county committees of such parties, and one representative of each such organization of citizens, certified by the respective chairmen or presiding officers of such organizations, shall be entitled to be present, during the preparation of the machines, and to see that the machines are properly prepared and are placed in proper condition and order for use: Provided, however, That such representatives shall not interfere with preparation of the machines, and the county board may make such reasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of such representatives.
(d) The custodian and deputy custodians of voting machines shall make a certificate, in writing, which each shall sign, and request each representative of a party or a citizens organization as aforesaid, present at the preparation of the machine to attest, and which shall be filed with the county election board, stating--(1) the identifying number or other designation of the voting machine; (2) that each registering counter of the machine was set at zero (000); (3) the number registered on the protective counter or other device of the machine; and (4) the number on the seal with which the machine is sealed.
(e) No member of the county election board, nor custodian, nor other employe of the county election board, shall, in any way, prevent free access to and examination of all voting machines, which are to be used at the election, by any of the duly appointed representatives aforesaid; and the county election board and their employes shall afford to each such representative every facility for the examination of all registering counters, protective counters, and public counters of each and every voting machine.
(f) The county election board shall furnish, at the expense of the county, all ballot labels, forms of certificates, returns, and other papers and supplies, required under the provisions of this act, all of which shall be in the form, and according to the specifications, prescribed, from time to time, by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Section 1112. Delivery of Voting Machines and Supplies by County Election Boards to Election Officers.--
(a) The county election board shall deliver the proper voting machine or voting machines, properly furnished with ballot labels, to the polling places of the respective election districts, at least one hour before the time set for opening the polls at each election, and shall cause each machine to be set up in the proper manner for use in voting. Each machine shall then remain sealed until the examination immediately preceding the opening of the polls prescribed by this act.
(b) The county election board shall provide ample protection against molestation of and injury to the voting machine, and, for that purpose, shall and may call upon any police or elected peace officer of this Commonwealth to furnish such assistance as may be necessary, and it shall be the duty of police and elected peace officers to furnish such assistance when so requested by the county election board.
(c) The county election board shall furnish, at the expense of the county, and deliver with each voting machine:
1. A lantern, or a proper substitute for one, which shall give sufficient light to enable voters, while in the voting machine booth, to read the ballot labels, and suitable for the use of election officers in examining the counters. The lantern, or proper substitute therefor, shall be prepared and in good order for use before the opening of the polls.
2. Two diagrams or sample ballots, of suitable size, representing such part of the face of such voting machine as will be in use in the election, and accompanied by directions for voting on the machine. Such diagrams shall be posted prominently outside the enclosed space within the polling place.
3. A mechanically operated model of a portion of the face of a voting machine, for the instruction of electors. Such model shall be placed in the polling place and at or outside of the guard-rail or barrier.
4. A seal, for sealing the machine after the polls are closed; an envelope for the return of the keys, if the construction of the voting machine shall permit their separate return; and such other election materials and supplies as may be necessary, or as may be required by law.
Section 1113. Election Officers; Polling Places.--
(a) The election board in each election district in which a voting machine is used shall consist of a judge of election, two inspectors of election, and one clerk of election chosen by the minority inspector, as is provided by this act.
(b) Where more than one machine is to be used in an election district, the county election board shall, prior to each election, appoint, for each additional voting machine to be used in such district, one elector of the county, qualified to serve as an election officer, to serve as machine inspector in such district at such election, who shall receive the same compensation as an inspector of election, and whose duty it shall be to have charge of the operation of one of the voting machines under the supervision of the judge of election. Each machine inspector shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of his duties.
(c) In election districts in which voting machines are used, the county election board may, in its discretion, procure and provide portable or movable polling places of adequate size and facilities for any or all of such districts.
Section 1114. Delivery of Voting Machine Keys to Judge of Election.--
(a) The county election board shall deliver the keys, which unlock the operating mechanism and the registering counters or counter compartment of the voting machine, to the judge of election, not earlier than the Saturday preceding an election, nor later than three-quarters of an hour before the time set for the opening of the polls, and shall take his receipt therefor. The keys shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope, on which shall be written or printed: (1) the number of the voting machine; (2) the name or designation of the election district; (3) the number of the seal; (4) the number registered on the protective counter or device as reported by the custodian: Provided, however, That if the type of voting machine used requires the simultaneous use of three keys to unlock the registering counters or counter compartment, only two of said keys shall be enclosed in said sealed envelope, the third key being retained by the custodian, the county election board, or such other person as they shall have authorized.
(b) No election officer shall open an envelope so delivered, until the minority inspector shall be present in the polling place, and shall have examined the envelope to see that it has not been opened.
(1114 amended Apr. 21, 1949, P.L.693, No.165)
Section 1115. Instruction of Voters Before an Election.--
(a) During the thirty days next preceding an election, the county election board shall place on public exhibition, in such public places, and at such times as it may deem most suitable for the information and instruction of the voters, one or more voting machines, containing the ballot labels, and showing the offices and questions to be voted upon, the names and arrangements of parties, and, so far as practicable, the names and arrangements of the candidates to be voted for. Such machine or machines shall be under the charge and care of a person competent as custodian and instructor. No voting machine, which is to be assigned for use in an election, shall be used for such public exhibition and instruction, after having been prepared and sealed for the election.
(b) During such public exhibition and instruction, the counting mechanism of the voting machine shall be concealed from view, and the doors, or cover concealing the same, shall be opened, if at all, only temporarily, and only upon written authorization from the county election board.
(c) Prior to any election, the county board may cause copies of any diagram or diagrams, required to be furnished with voting machines at polling places, to be made, either in full size or in reduced size, and to be posted, published, advertised or distributed among the electors in such manner as they may deem desirable.
Section 1116. Voting by Ballot.--If a method of election for any candidates or offices is prescribed by law, in which the use of voting machines is not possible or practicable, or in case, at any election, the number of candidates nominated or seeking nomination for any office renders the use of voting machines for such office at such election impracticable, or if, for any other reason, at any election the use of voting machines is not possible or practicable, the county election board may arrange to have the voting for such or all offices conducted by paper ballots. In such cases, ballots shall be printed for such or all offices, and the election conducted by the election officers herein provided for, and the ballots counted and return thereof made in the manner required by law for such offices, in so far as paper ballots are used.
Section 1117. Unofficial Ballot Labels; Repair of Machine, or Use of Paper Ballots.--
(a) If ballot labels for an election district, at which a voting machine is to be used, shall not be delivered to the election officers as required by section 1209 (b) (2) of this act, the judge of election of such district shall cause other labels to be prepared, printed, or written, as nearly in the form of official ballot labels as practicable, and the election officers shall cause the labels, so substituted, to be used at the election, in the same manner, as near as may be, as the official labels. Such labels, so substituted, shall be known as unofficial ballot labels.
(b) If any voting machine being used in any election shall become out of order during such election, it shall, if possible, be repaired or another machine substituted by the custodian or county election board as promptly as possible, for which purpose the county board may purchase as many extra voting machines as they may deem necessary, but in case such repair or substitution cannot be made, paper ballots, printed or written, and of any suitable form, may be used for the taking of votes.
Section 1118. Custody of Voting Machines and Keys.--
(a) The county election board shall designate a person or persons who shall have the custody of the voting machines of the county, city, borough or township, and the keys therefor, when the machines are not in use at an election, and shall provide for his compensation and for the safe storage and care of the machines and keys.
(b) All voting machines, when not in use, shall be properly boxed or covered, and stored in a suitable place or places.
ARTICLE XI-A
Electronic Voting Systems
(Art. added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1101-A. Definitions.--As used in this article:
"Automatic tabulating equipment" means any apparatus which automatically examines and computes votes registered on paper ballots, ballot cards or district totals cards or votes registered electronically and which tabulates such votes.
"Ballot" means ballot cards or paper ballots upon which a voter registers or records his vote or the apparatus by which the voter registers his vote electronically and shall include any ballot envelope, paper or other material on which a vote is recorded for persons whose names do not appear on the ballot labels.
"Ballot card" means a card which is compatible with automatic tabulating equipment and on which votes may be registered.
"Ballot label" means the cards, papers, booklets, pages or other materials which contain the names of offices and candidates and the statements of questions to be voted on and which are used in conjunction with the voting device.
"Counting center" means one or more locations selected by the county board of elections for the automatic tabulation of votes.
"Custodian" shall mean the person charged with the duty of testing and preparing voting devices and automatic tabulating equipment for elections and instructing election officials in the use of such voting devices and equipment.
"District totals cards" means a card or other data storage device which is compatible with automatic tabulating equipment and may be used in any voting system which provides for the initial computation and tabulation of votes at the district level to record the total number of votes cast for each candidate whose name appears on the ballot, the total number of write-in votes properly cast for each office on the ballot and the total number of votes cast for or against any question appearing on the ballot.
"Election" and "elections" shall mean all general, municipal, primary and special elections.
"Electronic voting system" means a system in which one or more voting devices are used to permit the registering or recording of votes and in which such votes are computed and tabulated by automatic tabulating equipment. The system shall provide for a permanent physical record of each vote cast.
"Municipality" means a city, borough, incorporated town and township.
"Official ballot" means the list of offices and candidates and the statement of questions reflected on the voting device.
"Paper ballot" means a printed paper ballot which conforms in layout and format to the voting device in use.
"Public counter" shall mean a counter or other element which shall at all times publicly indicate how many ballots have been cast during the course of the election.
"Question" shall mean the statement of a constitutional amendment or other proposition which is submitted to a popular vote at any election.
"Voting booth" shall mean the enclosure occupied by the voter when voting.
"Voting device" means either an apparatus in which paper ballots or ballot cards are used in connection with an implement by which a voter registers his votes with ink or other substance or by punching, or an apparatus by which such votes are registered electronically, so that in either case the votes so registered may be computed and tabulated by means of automatic tabulating equipment.
(1101-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1102-A. Authorization of Electronic Voting Systems for Use at Polling Places.--Any county or municipality may, by a majority vote of its qualified registered electors voting thereon cast at any primary or election, authorize and direct the use of an electronic voting system for registering or recording and computing the vote at all elections and primaries held at polling places in such county or municipality.
(1102-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1103-A. Placing the Question on the Ballot; Election Thereon.--(a) The county election board may, upon their own motion, submit to the qualified registered electors of the county or municipality, at any primary or election, the question "Shall an electronic voting system be used at polling places in the (county or municipality) of ....................?"
(b) The county election board, upon receipt of a request from the governing body of a municipality, said request being evidenced by the filing of a copy of a resolution certified by the secretary or clerk of the municipality, or upon the filing of a petition with them signed by qualified registered electors of the county or municipality, equal in number to at least ten (10) per centum of the total number of electors who voted in said county or municipality, at the preceding general or municipal election, but in no case less than fifty, shall, at the next primary or election, occurring at least sixty days thereafter, submit to the qualified registered electors of such county or municipality, the question "Shall an electronic voting system be used at polling places in the (county or municipality) of .....................?"
(c) The county board shall cause the said question to be submitted at the primary or election, in accordance with the provisions of this act relating to elections.
(d) The election on said question shall be held at the places, during the hours, and under the regulations, provided by law for holding primaries and elections, and shall be conducted by the election officers provided by law to conduct such elections. The election officers shall count the votes cast at the elections on said question, and shall make return thereof to the county election board of the county, as required by law. Said returns shall be computed by the county election board, or other return board, and, when so computed, a certificate of the total number of electors voting "Yes" and of the total number of electors voting "No" on such question shall be filed in the office of the county election board, and copies thereof, certified by the county election board, shall forthwith be furnished to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and to the county commissioners or other appropriating authority of the county or municipality.
(e) If a majority of the electors of any county or municipality, voting on such question, shall vote against the adoption of an electronic voting system the question may again be submitted to the voters of such county or municipality. ((e) amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
(f) Whenever, under the provisions of this act, the question of the adoption of an electronic voting system is to be submitted to the electors of any county, the county board of elections shall purchase, lease or otherwise procure those parts of the system used by the voter in a quantity sufficient for reasonable demonstration of the system or systems in such county prior to the general or municipal election in question.
(1103-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1104-A. Installation of Electronic Voting Systems.--(a) If a majority of the qualified registered electors voting on the question in any county or municipality vote in favor of the adoption of an electronic voting system, the county board of elections of that county shall purchase, lease, or otherwise procure for each election district of such county or municipality, the components of an electronic voting system of a kind approved, as hereinafter provided, by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and the board shall thereafter notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth, in writing, that they have done so.
(b) The installation throughout the county or municipality of the electronic voting system adopted by the county board of elections may be accomplished either simultaneously in all election districts or in stages at the discretion of the county board, and the manner of implementation as among election districts shall also be at the discretion of the county board: Provided, however, That the electronic voting system adopted by the county board shall be fully implemented throughout the county or municipality within one hundred and three weeks after the approval of the adoption of an electronic voting system by the electors of the county or municipality. Upon the installation of an electronic voting system in any election district, the use therein of paper ballots and of voting machines shall be discontinued, except as otherwise provided herein.
(c) If the question hereinbefore provided shall have been submitted to the qualified registered electors of the county or municipality and the majority of the electors voting thereon shall have voted favorably thereon, and if the county board of elections shall not, within one year after such vote, have executed a contract or contracts providing for the purchase, lease or other procurement of an electronic voting system for use at the general, municipal, primary or special election occurring at least one year and sixty days after such vote, then the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall forthwith in writing, notify the said county board of elections that, after the expiration of thirty days, he, under the authority of this act, will award, make and execute such contract or contracts on behalf of the said county, unless the said county board of elections shall make and execute the same prior to the expiration of that period and shall notify him, in writing, that they have done so.
(d) If, upon the expiration of said thirty days, the county board of elections still shall not have made and executed a contract or contracts providing for the purchase, lease or other procurement of an electronic voting system as aforesaid, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, on behalf of the said county and upon the approval of the Attorney General as to form, shall thereupon award, make and execute a contract or contracts for the purchase, lease or other procurement of an electronic voting system, approved as required by this act, for each election district within such county or municipality, and the cost of such system, including the preparation and printing of specifications and all other necessary expenses incidental thereto, shall be the debt of the said county, and upon the certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, it shall be the duty of the controller, if any, to allow, and of the treasurer of the county to pay, the sum out of any appropriation available therefore or out of the first unappropriated moneys that come into the treasury of the county. If the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall find it impracticable to procure an electronic voting system for installation in each election district of the county or municipality for use at the election then next ensuing, he shall provide for the installation of such a system in as many election districts of the county or municipality as shall be practicable and, as soon thereafter as practicable, shall provide for the installation of such system in the remainder of the election districts of the county or municipality.
(e) Any county or municipality may, by a majority vote of its qualified registered electors cast at any general or municipal election held not earlier than one hundred and three weeks after they have voted to adopt an electronic voting system, direct the discontinuance of the use of such a system at all elections held in such county or municipality. Upon the receipt by the county board of elections of a petition signed by qualified registered electors of the county or municipality equal in number to at least ten (10) per centum of the total number of electors who voted in said county or municipality at the last preceding general or municipal election, the question for the discontinuance of the use of such an electronic voting system shall be submitted to the qualified registered electors of that county or municipality, subject to the same requirements as to the conduct of the election as is required for the submission of the question on the authorization of the use of an electronic voting system. The question as to the discontinuance of the use of an electronic voting system shall be submitted in the following form: "Shall the use of an electronic voting system be continued in the (county or municipality) of .......?"
(1104-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1105-A. Examination and Approval of Electronic Voting Systems by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.--(a) Any person or corporation owning, manufacturing or selling, or being interested in the manufacture or sale of, any electronic voting system, may request the Secretary of the Commonwealth to examine such system if the voting system has been examined and approved by a federally recognized independent testing authority and if it meets any voting system performance and test standards established by the Federal Government. The costs of the examination shall be paid by the person requesting the examination in an amount set by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Any ten or more persons, being qualified registered electors of this Commonwealth, may, at any time, request the Secretary of the Commonwealth to reexamine any electronic voting system theretofore examined and approved by him. Before any reexamination, the person, persons, or corporation, requesting such reexamination, shall pay to the Treasurer of the Commonwealth a reexamination fee of four hundred fifty dollars ($450). The Secretary of the Commonwealth may, at any time, in his discretion, reexamine any such system therefore examined and approved by him. The Secretary of the Commonwealth may issue directives or instructions for implementation of electronic voting procedures and for the operation of electronic voting systems. ((a) amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
(b) Upon receipt of a request for examination or reexamination of an electronic voting system as herein provided for or in the event he determines to reexamine any such system, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall examine the electronic voting system and shall make and file in his office his report, attested by his signature and the seal of his office, stating whether, in his opinion, the system so examined can be safely used by voters at elections as provided in this act and meets all of the requirements hereinafter set forth. If his report states that the system can be so used and meets all such requirements, such system shall be deemed approved and may be adopted for use at elections, as herein provided. With respect to any electronic voting system approved for use in this Commonwealth by the secretary, the report of the secretary shall specify the capacity of the components of that system, the number of voters who may reasonably be accommodated by the voting devices and automatic tabulating equipment which comprise such system and the number of clerks and machine inspectors, if any, required based on the number of registered electors in any election district in which the voting system is to be used, such specifications being based upon the secretary's examination of the system. Any county which thereafter may adopt any such approved system shall provide the components of such system in a number no less than that sufficient to accommodate the voters of that county or municipality in accordance with the minimum capacity standards so prescribed by the secretary. The county board shall comply with the requirements for the use of the electronic voting system as set forth in the report by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. ((b) amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
(c) No electronic voting system not so approved shall be used at any election, and if, upon the reexamination of any such system previously approved, it shall appear that the system so reexamined can no longer be used safely by voters at elections as provided in this act or does not meet the requirements hereinafter set forth, the approval of that system shall forthwith be revoked by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and that system shall not thereafter be used or purchased for use in this Commonwealth.
(d) When an electronic voting system has been so approved, no improvement or change that does not impair its accuracy, efficiency or capacity or its compliance with the requirements hereinafter set forth, shall render necessary the reexamination or reapproval of such system.
(e) Neither the Secretary of the Commonwealth nor any member of a county board of elections shall have any pecuniary interest in any electronic voting system or in any of the components thereof, or in the design, manufacture or sale thereof. ((e) amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
(f) ((f) deleted by amendment Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
(1105-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1106-A. Experimental Use of Electronic Voting Systems.--(a) The county board of elections of any county may provide for experimental use at any primary or election in one or more election districts of said county, of an electronic voting system, and the use of such system shall be as valid for all purposes as if the electronic voting system had been adopted in accordance with the provisions of this act.
(b) The Secretary of the Commonwealth may approve the use of an experimental electronic voting system by the county board of elections of any county which complies with section 1306(a) for absentee voters as provided for in the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (Public Law 99-410, 100 Stat. 924) if the system allows the elector to mark his electronic ballot in secrecy as provided for paper absentee ballots pursuant to section 1306(a). The system shall be exempt from the requirements of sections 1107-A, 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305 and 1306.
(1106-A amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 1107-A. Requirements of Electronic Voting Systems.--No electronic voting system shall, upon any examination or reexamination, be approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, or by any examiner appointed by him, unless it shall be established that such system, at the time of such examination or reexamination:
(1) Provides for voting in absolute secrecy and prevents any person from seeing or knowing for whom any voter, except one who has received or is receiving assistance as prescribed by law, has voted or is voting.
(2) Provides facilities for voting for such candidates as may be nominated and upon such questions as may be submitted.
(3) ((3) deleted by amendment Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(4) Permits each voter, at other than primary elections, to vote a ticket selected from the nominees of any and all political parties, from the nominees of any and all political bodies, and from any persons whose names are not in nomination and do not appear upon the official ballot.
(5) Permits each voter to vote for any person and any office for whom and for which he is lawfully entitled to vote, whether or not the name of such person appears upon the ballot as a candidate for nomination or election.
(6) Permits each voter to vote for as many persons for any office as he is entitled to vote for and to vote for or against any question upon which he is entitled to vote and precludes each voter from voting or from having his vote tabulated for any candidate, or upon any question, for whom or upon which he is not entitled to vote.
(7) If it is of a type that registers the vote electronically, the voting system shall preclude each voter from voting for more persons for any office than he is entitled to vote for or upon any question more than once.
(8) Precludes each voter from voting or from having his vote tabulated more than once for any candidate for the same office or upon any question, except in districts and for offices where cumulative voting is authorized by law.
(9) Permits each voter at a primary election to vote only for the candidates seeking nomination by a political party in which such voter is registered and enrolled, and for any candidate for nonpartisan nomination, and for any question upon which he is entitled to vote.
(10) If it is of a type that registers the vote electronically, the voting system shall permit each voter to change his vote for any candidate or upon any question appearing on the official ballot up to the time that he takes the final step to register his vote and to have his vote computed. If it is of a type that uses paper ballots or ballot cards to register the vote and automatic tabulating equipment to compute such votes, the system shall provide that a voter who spoils his ballot may obtain another ballot; any ballot thus returned shall be immediately cancelled and at the close of the polls shall be enclosed in an envelope marked "spoiled" which shall be sealed and returned to the county board.
(11) Is suitably designed for the purpose used, is constructed in a neat and workmanlike manner of durable material of good quality, is safely and efficiently useable in the conduct of elections and, with respect to the counting of ballots cast at each district, is suitably designed and equipped to be capable of absolute accuracy, which accuracy shall be demonstrated to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
(12) Provides acceptable ballot security procedures and impoundment of ballots to prevent tampering with or substitution of any ballots or ballot cards.
(13) When properly operated, records correctly and computes and tabulates accurately every valid vote registered.
(14) Is safely transportable.
(15) Is so constructed that a voter may readily learn the method of operating it.
(16) If the voting system is of a type which provides for the computation and tabulation of votes at the district level, the district component of the automatic tabulating equipment shall include the following mechanisms or capabilities:
(i) A public counter, the register of which is visible from the outside of the automatic tabulating equipment component into which the ballots are entered, which shall show during any period of operation the total number of ballots entered for computation and tabulation.
(ii) A lock, or locks, by the use of which all operation of the tabulation element of the automatic tabulating equipment is absolutely prevented immediately after the polls are closed or where the tabulation of votes is completed.
(iii) It shall be so constructed and controlled that, during the progress of voting, it shall preclude every person from seeing or knowing the number of votes theretofore registered for any candidate or question; and it shall preclude every person from tampering with the tabulating element.
(iv) If the number of choices recorded for any office or on any question exceeds the number for which the voter is entitled to vote, it shall reject all choices recorded on the ballot for that office or question, provided, that if used during the period of voting it may also have the capacity to indicate to a voter that he has improperly voted for more candidates for any office than he is entitled to vote for, and in such case it shall have the capacity to permit the voter to mark a new ballot or to forego his opportunity to make such correction.
(v) It shall be equipped with an element which generates a printed record at the beginning of its operation which verifies that the tabulating elements for each candidate position and each question and the public counter are all set to zero and with an element which generates a printed record at the finish of its operation of the total number of voters whose ballots have been tabulated, the total number of votes cast for each candidate whose name appears on the ballot, and the total number of votes cast for, or against, any question appearing on the ballot.
(17) If the voting system is of a type which provides for the computation and tabulation of all votes at a central counting center or if it provides for the tabulation of district totals at such a central counting center, the central automatic tabulating equipment shall include the following mechanisms or capabilities:
(i) It shall be constructed so that every person is precluded from tampering with the tabulating element during the course of its operation.
(ii) If the number of choices for any office or on any question exceeds the number for which the voter is entitled to vote, it shall reject all choices recorded on the ballot for that office or question.
(iii) It shall have a means by which to verify that the counters for each candidate position and for each question are all set to zero and shall be able to generate a printed record of each election district showing the total number of voters whose ballots have been tabulated, the total number of votes cast for each candidate whose name appears on the ballot, and the total number of votes cast for, or against, any question appearing on the ballot. It may also be capable of generating cumulative election reports.
(1107-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1108-A. Payment for Machines.--The county commissioners or such other authority as levies the taxes for county purposes of any county which adopts an electronic voting system shall, upon the purchase, lease or other procurement thereof, provide for payment therefor by the county. Bonds or other evidences of indebtedness may be issued in accordance with the provisions of the act of July 12, 1972 (P.L.781, No.185) known as the "Local Government Unit Debt Act," to meet all or any appropriate part of the cost of any such system.
(1108-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1109-A. Forms.--(a) (1) Ballot labels used in conjunction with ballot cards shall, as far as practicable, be in the same order or arrangement as provided for paper ballots or voting machine ballots, except that such information may be printed in vertical columns or in a number of separate pages which are placed on the voting device.
(2) The pages placed on the voting device shall be of sufficient number to include, following the listing of particular candidates, the names of candidates for any nonpartisan offices and any measures for which a voter may be qualified to vote on a given election day. ((2) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(3) In a primary election the pages placed on the voting device may be arranged with the entire ballot label consisting of several groups of pages, so that a separate group can be used to list the names of candidates seeking nomination of each qualified political party, with additional groups used to list any nonpartisan offices or measures. Groups of pages may be identified by color or other suitable means, and voters shall be instructed to vote only for candidates of the party of their choice and thereafter to vote for any nonpartisan candidates or measures.
(b) Ballot labels shall be printed in plain clear type, of such size and arrangement as to fit the construction of the voting device; and they shall be printed in a manner prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth to identify different ballots or parts of a ballot and in primary elections to identify each political party. ((b) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(c) On all ballot labels the titles of offices and the names of candidates shall in all elections be arranged in columns or rows in a series of separate pages and, in primary elections, the names of candidates for an office shall appear in the order that was established under the provisions of sections 915 and 916. The office titles shall be printed above or at the side of the names of candidates so as to indicate clearly the candidates for each office and the number to be elected. In partisan elections the party designation of each candidate shall be printed to the right or below the candidate's name. All candidates for one office shall be grouped on one page where practical; in case there are more candidates for an office than can be printed in one column or on one ballot page, the ballot label shall clearly indicate that the list of candidates is continued on the following column or page, and so far as possible, the same number of names shall be printed on each column or page. Arrows may be used to indicate the place to vote for each candidate and for or against every question presented.
(d) ((d) deleted by amendment Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(e) In primary elections, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall prescribe a method to ensure that the elector votes the correct ballot. ((e) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(f) Ballot cards, or the portion thereof on which the voter registers his vote, shall be of a size, design and stock suitable for processing by the automatic tabulating equipment used in the voting system. ((f) amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
(g) Sample ballots, which shall be facsimile copies of the official ballot or ballot labels, shall be provided and posted in each polling place on election day as required by law. Sample ballots may be printed on a single page or on a number of pages stapled together.
(1109-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1110-A. Supplies; Preparation of the Voting System and of Polling Places.--(a) Prior to any election in which an electronic voting system is to be used, the county board of elections shall furnish to each election district, at the expense of the county, the elements of such voting system, including voting devices, automatic tabulating equipment, ballot boxes, ballot labels, ballots, ballot envelopes, forms of certificates, returns and other records and supplies, as are necessary for the proper operation of the voting system at the election district level or as are required under the provisions of this act, all of which shall be in the form and according to the specifications prescribed from time to time by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
(b) Unless the voting device itself enables the voter to register his vote in secret, the county board of elections shall provide voting booths for each election district, which shall be of a size and design which shall enable the voter to register his vote in secret. The county board shall determine the number of voting devices and voting booths to be provided in each such district in order to satisfy the minimum capacity standards prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
(b.1) The county board of elections shall furnish supplies to each election district which shall enable the voter to insert the ballot into the district automatic tabulating equipment in secret. The supplies shall be in the form and according to the specifications prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. ((b.1) added Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
(c) The county board of elections shall appoint a custodian of the electronic voting system and such deputy custodians as may be necessary, and it shall be the duty of such custodians to prepare the voting system and all of its components for use in any election in which such system is employed. Each custodian and deputy custodian shall receive from the county, for each day he is actually employed under the provisions of this act, such compensation as shall be fixed by the county board of elections. Such custodian shall, under the direction of the county board of elections, have charge of and represent the county election board during the preparation of the electronic voting system as required by this act, and he and the deputy custodians, whose duty it shall be to assist him in the discharge of his duties, shall serve at the pleasure of the county board of elections. Each custodian shall take the constitutional oath of office, which shall be filed with the county board of elections.
(d) On or before the fortieth day preceding any election, the county board of elections shall mail to the chairman of the county committee of each political party which shall be entitled under existing laws to participate in primary elections within the county, and to the chairman or presiding officer of any organization of citizens within the county which has as its purpose or among its purposes the investigation or prosecution of election frauds and which has registered its name and address and the names of its principal officers with the county board of elections at least fifty days before the election, a written notice stating the times when and the place or places where preparation of the system and its components for use in the several election districts in the county or municipality will be started. One representative of each such political party, certified by the respective chairman of the county committee of such party, and one representative of each such organization of citizens, certified by the respective chairman or presiding officer of such organization shall be entitled to be present during the preparation of the voting system and its components and to see that they are properly prepared and are in proper condition and order for use. Such representatives shall not interfere with the preparation of the system and its components, and the county board may make reasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of such representatives.
(e) Prior to the delivery of any automatic tabulating equipment to any election district the county board of elections shall examine or cause to have examined such equipment and shall make a certificate stating:
(1) the identifying number and election district designation of the equipment;
(2) that the equipment is suitable for use in the particular election district designated;
(3) that the equipment has been tested to ascertain that it will accurately compute the votes cast for all offices and all questions;
(4) that the offices and questions on the official ballot correspond in all respects with the ballot labels assigned to such particular election district;
(5) that the public counter and the counters for each candidate position and each question are all set at zero and that element that generates a printed record of the results of the election is functioning correctly; and
(6) the number on the seal with which the equipment is sealed.
(f) At least one hour before the time set for the opening of the polls at each election, the county board of elections shall deliver to each election district any district components of the electronic voting system and any supplies necessary to prepare the automatic tabulating equipment for operation in the district, and they shall position such automatic tabulating equipment for proper use in voting. Any tabulating equipment so placed shall remain locked and sealed until its examination and preparation immediately preceding its use as prescribed by this act.
(g) The members of the district election board shall arrive at the polling place at least one-half hour before the opening of the polls. Prior to the commencement of the election, the district election board shall inspect the district components of the electronic voting system to see that they are in proper working order, and they shall check all ballots, supplies, records and forms and shall post the sample ballots, the cards of instruction and the notices of penalties. If the voting system provides for the initial computation and tabulation of votes at the district level during voting hours, the district election board shall also break the seal on the automatic tabulating equipment and insure that the equipment is properly prepared for the particular election district designated, and the district board shall then determine that the counters for each candidate position and for each question and the public counter are all set to zero. If the system provides for tabulation of ballots after the polls are closed, such test shall be conducted immediately prior to its actual use. If any such counter is not set to zero, the district election board shall immediately notify the county board of elections which shall forthwith cause one of its representatives to ascertain and correct any error. Thereupon, a zero print-out sheet or an appropriate certificate by the district election board reflecting its examination shall be posted on the wall of the polling place by the district election board and such sheet or certificate shall remain posted until the polls are closed. At the close of the polls, the district election board shall deliver such sheet or certificate together with the election returns to the county board of elections.
(1110-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1111-A. Instruction of Voters.--(a) During the thirty days next preceding an election at which any electronic voting system is to be used, the county board of elections shall place on public exhibition, in such public places and in such quantity and at such times as it shall deem most suitable for the instruction and information of the voters of the county, those components of the electronic voting system which are used by the voter, containing a sample ballot designed for instructional use. Such components shall be under the charge and care of a person competent as custodian and instructor. No voting system component which is assigned for use in an election shall be used for such public exhibition and instruction after having been prepared and sealed for the election.
(b) At the polling place on the day of the election, each voter who desires shall be instructed, by means of appropriate diagrams and a model, in the operation of the voting device before he enters the voting booth. If any voter shall ask for further instructions concerning the manner of voting after entering the voting booth, any election officer may give him audible instructions without entering such booth, but no such election officer shall when giving such instructions in any manner request, suggest or seek to persuade or induce any such voter to vote any particular ticket or for any particular candidate or other person or for or against any particular question.
(1111-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1112-A. Election Day Procedures and the Process of Voting.--(a) In an election district which uses an electronic voting system in which votes are registered electronically, the following procedures will be applicable for the conduct of the election at the election district:
(1) At primary elections, the election officer in charge shall adjust the voting system before the voter records any vote so that the voter will only be able to register a vote for candidates on the ballot of the party in which he is registered and enrolled or for persons whose names are not on the official ballot, for candidates for nonpartisan nominations, if any, and for any questions upon which he is entitled to vote.
(2) At all elections, the voter shall be able to vote for each candidate individually by the means provided. The voter may also vote individually for or against a question submitted to the vote of the electors. ((2) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(3) A voter may, at any primary or other election, vote for any person or persons for any office for which his name does not appear upon the ballot label as a candidate, by writing the identification of the office and the name of such person in or upon the appropriate receptacle or device provided for that purpose. No write-in vote shall be cast on a voting device for any person for any office, whose name appears on the ballot label as a candidate for that office, and any ballot so cast shall be void and not counted.
(4) At any general election at which presidential electors are to be chosen, each elector shall be permitted to vote by one operation for all the presidential electors of a political party or political body. For each party or body nominating presidential electors, a ballot label shall be provided containing only the words "Presidential Electors," preceded by the names of the party or body and followed by the names of the candidates thereof for the Office of President and Vice-President, and the corresponding counter or registering device shall register votes cast for said electors when thus voted for collectively. If any elector desires to vote a ticket for presidential electors made up of the names of persons nominated by different parties or bodies, or partially of names of persons so in nomination and partially of names of persons not in nomination by any party or body, he may write or deposit a paper ballot prepared by himself in the receptacle provided in or on the voting device for that purpose, or he may list their names on the write-in ballot or envelope provided for that purpose. The voting device shall be so constructed that it will not be possible for any one voter to vote a straight party ticket for presidential electors and at the same time to deposit a ballot for presidential electors in a receptacle as provided in this section. When the votes for presidential electors are counted, the votes appearing upon the counter or registering device corresponding to the ballot label containing the names of the candidates for President and Vice-President of any party or body shall be counted as votes for each of the candidates for presidential elector of such party or body, and thereupon all candidates for presidential elector shall be credited, in addition, with the votes cast for them upon the ballots deposited in the machine, as provided in this section. ((4) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(5) As soon as the elector has adjusted the voting device so that it will record his choices for the various candidates to be voted for, and his answers to the various questions submitted, he shall operate the recording mechanism of the voting device and forthwith leave the voting booth.
(b) In an election district which uses an electronic voting system which utilizes paper ballots or ballot cards to register the votes, the following procedures will be applicable for the conduct of the election at the election district:
(1) The voter, after receiving his ballot from the district election officials, shall retire to one of the voting booths in which the voting devices are located.
(2) At primary elections, the voter shall vote for the candidates of his choice for nomination, according to the number of persons to be voted for by him, for each office by making a cross (X) or check (✓) mark or by making a punch or mark sense mark in the square opposite the name of the candidate or by otherwise indicating a selection associated with the candidate, or he may so indicate on the ballot that the voter is electing to write in the name of a person for the particular office, and insert the identification of the office in question and the name of any person not already listed as a candidate for that office, and such indication and insertion shall count as a vote for that person for such office. ((2) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(3) At all other elections, the voter shall vote for the candidates of his choice for each office to be filled, according to the number of persons to be voted for by him for each office, by making a cross (X) or check (✓) mark or by making a punch or mark sense mark in the square opposite the name of the candidate, or by otherwise indicating a selection associated with the candidate, or he may so indicate on the ballot that the voter is electing to write in the name of a person for the particular office, and insert the identification of the office in question and the name of any person not already listed as a candidate for that office, and such indication and insertion shall count as a vote for that person for such office. ((3) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(4) If he desires to vote for the entire group of presidential electors nominated by any party or political body, he may make a cross (X) or check (✓) or punch or mark sense mark or otherwise indicate a selection associated with the names of the candidates for President and Vice-President of such party or body. If he desires to vote a ticket for presidential electors made up of the names of persons nominated by different parties or political bodies, or partially of names of persons so in nomination and partially of names of persons not in nomination by any party or political body, or wholly of names of persons not in nomination by any party or political body, he shall insert the names of the candidates for presidential electors for whom he desires to vote on the write-in ballot under the title of the office "Presidential Electors". In case of a question submitted to the vote of the electors, he may make a cross (X) or check (✓) or punch or mark sense mark or otherwise indicate a selection associated with the answer which he desires to give. ((4) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(5) Any voter who spoils his ballot may return it and secure another. The word "spoiled" shall be written across the face of the ballot, and it shall be placed in the envelope marked "Spoiled Ballots".
(6) Following the completion of his vote, the voter shall leave the voting booth and return the ballot to the election officer by a means designed to insure its secrecy as prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth; the voter shall insert the ballot into the district automatic tabulating equipment or, in the event district tabulation is not provided for by the voting system or such district tabulation equipment is inoperative for any reason, into a secure ballot box. ((6) amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
(1112-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1113-A. Post Election Procedures.--(a) As soon as the polls have been closed and the last elector has voted in districts having an electronic voting system which employs paper ballots or ballot cards, and district tabulation is provided for, the number of such ballots issued to electors (at primary elections, the number issued to the electors of each party) and the number of ballots (at primaries the number of ballots of each party), if any, spoiled and returned by voters and cancelled, shall be announced to all present in the polling place and entered on the general returns of votes cast at such primary or election. The district election officers shall then compare the number of names marked as voting in the district register, "Voting Check List" and numbered lists of voters, shall announce the result, and shall enter on the general returns the number of electors who have voted, as shown by the "Voter's Check List." Any differences which exist shall be reconciled where possible, and where reconciliation is not possible such differences shall be noted on the general returns. The district register, the "Voting Check List" and the numbered lists of voters, together with all unused ballots, and all spoiled and cancelled ballots, and all rejected voters certificates shall then be placed in separate packages, containers or envelopes and sealed before the tabulation of any ballots. ((a) amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
(b) If ballots are computed and tabulated in the election district, all write-in votes which have been properly cast and recorded on the voting device shall be counted and recorded on a standard form provided for this purpose. District totals cards or other appropriate data storage device may also be prepared by the district board of election reflecting the results of the voting in that district. Such cards and reporting forms of write-in vote tabulation shall be delivered to the county board of elections. In cases where central counting is utilized, write-in ballots may be recorded either at the election district or at the counting center.
(c) In any case in which the write-in ballot is a separate entity from the ballot or ballot card, and the write-in ballot has been used, both sections shall be given a unique identifying number prior to their separation for tabulation.
(d) In returning any votes cast for any person whose name is not printed on the official ballot, the election officers shall record any such names exactly as they were written or stamped. ((d) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(e) If, as a result of an otherwise properly cast write-in vote, the voter has registered more votes for an office than he is entitled to vote for that office, the entire vote cast for that office shall be void and shall not be counted; and such write-in ballots shall be fastened to the write-in vote tabulation form and shall be delivered to the county board of elections.
(f) In the event district tabulation of votes is provided for by the voting system, the district election officers shall, immediately upon the close of the polls, cause the automatic tabulating equipment to tabulate the ballots cast during the election and shall prepare duplicate records of the total number of voters whose ballots have been tabulated; the total number of votes cast for each candidate whose name appears on the ballot; the total number of write-in votes properly cast for each office on the ballot; and the total number of votes cast for or against any question appearing on the ballot. One such record shall be publicly posted at the district polling place. All votes so cast and tabulated in the district may also be recorded on a district totals card and all properly cast write-in votes may also be recorded on the district totals card, and the delivery of such district totals cards and reporting forms to the county board of elections shall be the responsibility of the judge of election. The minority inspector shall keep duplicate copies of all such reports and returns. At the close of the election and after the tabulation of all ballots, the automatic tabulating equipment or other component of the voting system which contains ballots shall be locked and sealed so that no further ballots may be deposited in or removed from any such equipment or component, and all components of the voting system, suitably packaged and secured for storage, shall be held for delivery to the county election board.
(g) In the event district tabulation of votes is not provided for by the voting system, the judge of election shall prepare a report of the number of voters who have voted, as indicated by the "Voting Check List" and numbered lists of voters poll list. He shall also prepare a report of the number of spoiled ballots and the number of unused ballots. He shall deliver the original copy of this report to the county board of elections under seal. The minority inspector shall keep a duplicate copy of this report. The judge of election and minority inspector shall forthwith deliver the sealed transport carrier containing all voted ballot cards to the county board of elections or to such places as the county board may designate. The county board of elections may provide that the ballot container and reports may upon proper certification and signature instead be picked up at the polling places by two authorized election deputies of opposite parties.
(h) All reports and returns shall be signed by all district election officers.
(i) In the event that district tabulation of votes is not provided for by the voting system, it shall be the responsibility of the county board of elections to make available to the public at the central tabulating center, the election results for each election district. ((i) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(j) By two o'clock A. M. on the day following the election, all of the following shall be returned to the county board:
(1) Envelopes.
(2) Supplies, including all uncast provisional ballots.
(3) Returns, including all provisional ballots and absentee ballots cast in the election district.
((j) added Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
(1113-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1114-A. Returns.--(a) By the fourth day prior to each election, the county board of elections shall have the central automatic tabulating equipment tested to ascertain that it will accurately count the votes cast for all offices and all questions. Public notice of the time and place of the test shall be given at least forty-eight hours prior to the test by newspaper publication in the county in accordance with section 106, such notice to be published once. The test shall be conducted by processing a preaudited group of district totals cards or ballots on which are recorded votes for each candidate and on each question. In such test a different number of valid votes shall be assigned to each candidate for an office and for and against each question. If any error is detected, the cause of it shall be ascertained and corrected and an errorless count shall be made and certified to by the county board of elections prior to election day. All test and program materials shall then be sealed by the county board of elections until their use on election day. The central automatic tabulating equipment shall pass the same test at the conclusion of the actual election count before the election returns are approved as official. On completion of the count, the programs, test materials, and district totals cards or ballots shall be sealed and retained according to the provisions contained in this act for the retention of paper ballots.
(b) (1) All proceedings at the central tabulation center shall be under the direction of the county board of elections or of such persons as it may designate and shall be conducted under the observation of the public insofar as is practical, but no persons except those authorized for the purpose shall touch any ballot or district totals card. All persons who are engaged in processing and counting the ballots and district totals cards shall be deputized and take an oath that they will faithfully perform their assigned duties.
(2) Each political party or political body represented on the official ballot may have one technically qualified person, authorized by the county chairman and deputized by the county board of elections, present during the testing of the central automatic tabulating equipment and the actual counting of the ballot or district totals cards. Such persons shall be allowed to make independent tests of the equipment prior to, during, and following the vote count: Provided, however, That such testing shall in no way interfere with the official tabulation of the ballots and district totals cards. In addition, each political party or political body shall be entitled to have observers at the central tabulation center, in a number, as determined by the county board of elections, sufficient to permit accurate observation of the receipt, handling, duplication, and processing of all ballots and district totals cards.
(3) If any ballots or district totals cards are damaged or defective so that they cannot properly be counted by the central automatic tabulating equipment, a true duplicate copy shall be made and substituted for any such damaged ballot or card. All such duplicate ballots or cards shall also be clearly labeled "duplicate," and shall bear a serial number which shall be recorded on the damaged or defective ballot or card.
(c) The return printed by the central automatic tabulating equipment, to which have been added write-in votes as recorded on the district reporting form and absentee votes, shall, when certified by the county board of elections, constitute the official return of each election district. Upon completion of the count, the official returns shall be open to the public.
(d) If for any reason it becomes impracticable to count all or a part of the ballots or district totals cards with automatic tabulating equipment, the county board of elections may direct that such ballots or cards be counted manually, following as far as practicable the provisions of this act governing the counting of paper ballots.
(e) During the course of central tabulation of ballots or district totals cards, the county board of elections may unofficially report the progress of the count for each candidate and on any question.
(1114-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1115-A. Absentee Ballots.--Absentee votes may be cast on paper ballots or on ballot cards.
(1115-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1116-A. Ballots and Ballot Labels; Disposition.--(a) Upon completion of the count, all ballots, absentee ballots and district totals cards shall be securely packaged, suitably labeled and sealed, and delivered to the county board of elections. The board shall likewise package and seal a true copy of the ballot label used in each election district. Thereafter these packages are to be retained and disposed of in the same manner as paper ballots and related materials are disposed of under the provisions of this act.
(b) The county board of elections shall likewise package and retain all tabulating cards and other materials used in the preparation of the automatic tabulating equipment but may have access to these tabulating cards and other materials. It shall not alter or make changes to these materials but may make copies of them and make changes to the copies, and all such materials shall be preserved and maintained by the board in accordance with the terms of section 309.
(1116-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1117-A. Statistical Sample.--The county board of elections, as part of the computation and canvass of returns, shall conduct a statistical recount of a random sample of ballots after each election using manual, mechanical or electronic devices of a type different than those used for the specific election. The sample shall include at least two (2) per centum of the votes cast or two thousand (2,000) votes whichever is the lesser.
(1117-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1118-A. Recounts.--In an election district using an electronic voting system, should a recount of votes be ordered as provided by law, the ballots shall be recounted in accordance with section 1404(e). If the recount is conducted under Article XVII:
(1) If the election district uses an electronic voting system utilizing paper ballots, section 1701 shall apply.
(2) If the election district uses any other type of electronic voting system, section 1702 shall apply.
(1118-A amended Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
Section 1119-A. Voting by Ballot.--If in any case the number of candidates nominated or seeking nomination for any office, or if a method of election for any candidate or office which is prescribed by law, renders the use of an electronic voting system impracticable, or if, for any other reason the use of an electronic voting system is not possible or practicable at a particular election, the county board of elections may arrange to have the voting at any such election and for any such offices conducted by paper ballots. In such cases, the ballots shall be printed for any such election or office and the election shall be conducted by the election officers herein provided for, and the ballots counted and the return thereof made in the manner required by law for such offices insofar as paper ballots are used.
(1119-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1120-A. Unofficial Ballot Labels; Repair and Alternate Use of Paper Ballots.--(a) If ballot labels for an election district at which an electronic voting system is to be used, shall not be delivered to the election officers of that district as required by section 1110-A, the judge of election of such district shall cause other labels to be prepared, printed, or written, as nearly in the form of official ballot labels as practicable, and the election officers shall cause the labels so substituted, to be used at the election insofar as is possible in the same manner as the official labels. Such labels, so substituted, shall be known as unofficial ballot labels.
(b) If any electronic voting system or any component thereof being used in any election shall become inoperable during such election, it shall, if possible, be repaired or another machine substituted by the custodian or county board of elections as promptly as possible, for which purpose the county board may purchase as many extra systems or system components as it may deem necessary, but in case such repair or substitution cannot be made, paper ballots, either printed or written and of any suitable form, may be used for registering votes.
(1120-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1121-A. Custody of Electronic Voting Systems and Keys.--(a) The county board of elections shall designate a person or persons who shall have the custody of the county's electronic voting system and its components and of the keys therefor when the system is not in use at an election, and the board shall provide for his compensation and for the safe storage and care of the system and placement of its keys in a security vault.
(b) All electronic voting systems and their components, when not in use, shall be properly boxed or covered and stored in a suitable place or places.
(1121-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1122-A. Construction.--The provisions of this article shall constitute an additional method of voting and all provisions of this act shall be construed to be in full force and effect unless inconsistent with the provisions of this article.
(1122-A added July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
ARTICLE XI-B
VOTING APPARATUS BONDS
(Art. added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1101-B. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Account." The County Voting Apparatus Reimbursement Account established under section 1106-B.
"Authority." The Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority.
"Bond." Any type of revenue obligation, including a bond or series of bonds, note, certificate or other instrument, issued by the authority for the benefit of the department under this article.
"Bond administrative expenses." Expenses incurred to administer bonds as provided under the Financing Law, or as otherwise necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Federal or State law.
"Bond obligations." The principal of a bond and any premium and interest payable on a bond, together with any amount owed under a related credit agreement or a related resolution of the authority authorizing a bond.
"Credit agreement." A loan agreement, a revolving credit agreement, an agreement establishing a line of credit, a letter of credit or another agreement that enhances the marketability, security or creditworthiness of a bond.
"Department." The Department of State of the Commonwealth.
"Election security equipment." Information technology such as intrusion detection sensors and other infrastructure deployed to enhance the security of voting apparatus and election systems by detecting and reporting hacking attempts and other election security breaches.
"Electronic voting system." As defined in section 1101-A.
"Financing Law." The act of August 23, 1967 (P.L.251, No.102), known as the Economic Development Financing Law.
"Voting apparatus." A kind or type of electronic voting system that received the approval of the Secretary of the Commonwealth under section 1105-A.
(1101-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1102-B. Bond issuance.
(a) Declaration of policy.--The General Assembly finds and declares that funding the replacement of voting apparatuses, including interest, through the authority, is in the best interest of this Commonwealth.
(b) Authority.--Notwithstanding any other law, the following shall apply:
(1) The department may be a project applicant under the Financing Law and may apply to the authority for the funding of the replacement of voting apparatuses.
(2) The authority may issue bonds under the Financing Law, consistent with this article, to finance projects to fund the replacement of county voting apparatuses or to reimburse counties for their cost to purchase or enter into capital leases for voting apparatuses.
(3) Participation of an industrial and commercial development authority shall not be required to finance the replacement of voting apparatuses.
(c) Debt or liability.--
(1) Bonds issued under this article shall not be a debt or liability of the Commonwealth and shall not create or constitute any indebtedness, liability or obligation of the Commonwealth.
(2) Bond obligations and bond administrative expenses shall be payable solely from revenues or money pledged or available for repayment as authorized under this article. This paragraph shall include the proceeds of any issuance of bonds.
(3) Each bond shall contain on its face a statement that:
(i) the authority is obligated to pay the principal or interest on the bonds only from the revenues or money pledged or available for repayment as authorized under this article;
(ii) neither the Commonwealth nor a county is obligated to pay the principal or interest; and
(iii) the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth or any county is not pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on the bonds.
(1102-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1103-B. Criteria for bond issuance.
(a) Determination.--If the department decertifies one or more voting apparatuses that are in use in any county of this Commonwealth, the department shall apply to the authority to issue bonds for reimbursements to each county for the cost of procuring new voting apparatuses.
(a.1) Issuance.--Bonds may be issued in one or more series, and each series may finance reimbursement grants to one or more counties.
(b) Terms.--
(1) The department, with the approval of the Office of the Budget, shall specify in its application to the authority:
(i) the maximum principal amount of the bonds for each bond issue; and
(ii) the maximum term of the bonds consistent with applicable law.
(2) The total principal amount for all bonds issued under this article may not exceed $90,000,000.
(3) The term of the bonds issued under this article may not exceed 10 years from the respective date of original issuance.
(c) Expiration.--For the purpose of this article, authorization to issue bonds, not including refunding bonds, shall expire December 31, 2020.
(1103-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1104-B. Issuance of bonds, security and sources of payments.
(a) Issuance.--The authority shall consider issuance of bonds upon application by the department. Bonds issued under this article shall be subject to the provisions of the Financing Law, unless otherwise specified under this article.
(b) Service agreement authorized.--The authority and the department may enter into an agreement or service agreement to effectuate this article, including an agreement to secure bonds issued for the purposes under section 1102-B(b), pursuant to which the department shall agree to pay the bond obligations and bond administrative expenses to the authority in each fiscal year that the bonds or refunding bonds are outstanding in amounts sufficient to timely pay in full the bond obligations, bond administrative expenses and any other financing costs due on the bonds issued for the purposes under section 1102-B(b). The department's payment of the bond obligations, bond administrative expenses and other financing costs due on the bonds as service charges under an agreement or service agreement shall be subject to and dependent upon the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly to the department for payment of the service charges. The service agreement may be amended or supplemented by the authority and the department in connection with the issuance of any series of bonds or refunding bonds authorized under this section.
(c) Security.--Bond obligations and bond administrative expenses may be secured, for the benefit of the holders of the bonds and the obligees under credit agreements or the agreements under subsection (b), by pledge of a security interest in and first lien on the following:
(1) Money relating to the bonds held on deposit in any other fund or account under an instrument or agreement pertaining to the bonds, including bond reserves and interest income on the money.
(2) The security provided under this subsection shall not apply to money in any fund relating to arbitrage rebate obligations.
(1104-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1105-B. Sale of bonds.
The authority shall offer the bonds for sale by means of a public, competitive sale or by means of a negotiated sale based on the authority's determination of which method will produce the most benefit to counties and the Commonwealth.
(1105-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1106-B. Deposit of bond proceeds.
The net proceeds of bonds, other than refunding bonds, exclusive of costs of issuance, reserves and any other financing charges, shall be transferred by the authority to the State Treasurer for deposit into a restricted account established in the State Treasury and held solely for the purposes under section 1102-B(b) to be known as the County Voting Apparatus Reimbursement Account. The department shall pay out the bond proceeds to the counties from the account in accordance with this article.
(1106-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1107-B. Payment of bond-related obligations.
For each fiscal year in which bond obligations and bond administrative expenses will be due, the authority shall notify the department of the amount of bond obligations and the estimated amount of bond administrative expenses in sufficient time, as determined by the department, to permit the department to request an appropriation sufficient to pay bond obligations and bond administrative expenses that will be due and payable in the following fiscal year. The authority's calculation of the amount of bond obligations and bond administrative expenses that will be due shall be subject to verification by the department.
(1107-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1108-B. Commonwealth not to impair bond-related obligations.
The Commonwealth pledges that it shall not do any of the following:
(1) Limit or alter the rights and responsibilities of the authority or the department under this article, including the responsibility to:
(i) pay bond obligations and bond administrative expenses; and
(ii) comply with any other instrument or agreement pertaining to bonds.
(2) Alter or limit the service agreement under section 1104-B(b).
(3) Impair the rights and remedies of the holders of bonds, until each bond issued at any time and the interest on the bond are fully met and discharged.
(1108-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1109-B. (Reserved).
(1109-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1110-B. Personal liability.
The members, directors, officers and employees of the department and the authority shall not be personally liable as a result of good faith exercise of the rights and responsibilities granted under this article.
(1110-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1111-B. Annual report.
No later than March 1 of the year following the first full year in which bonds have been issued under this article and for each year thereafter in which bond obligations existed in the prior year, the department shall submit an annual report to the chair and minority chair of the Appropriations Committee of the Senate, the chair and minority chair of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, the chair and minority chair of the State Government Committee of the Senate and the chair and minority chair of the State Government Committee of the House of Representatives providing all data available on bonds issued or existing in the prior year. The report shall include existing and anticipated bond principal, interest and administrative costs, revenue, repayments, refinancing, overall benefits to counties and any other relevant data, facts and statistics that the department believes necessary in the content of the report.
(1111-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1112-B. Reimbursement of county voting apparatus expenses.
(a) Application.--A county may apply to the department to receive funding to replace the county's voting apparatuses or to reimburse the county's cost to purchase or lease by capital lease voting apparatuses. Each county shall submit an application for funding on a form containing information and documentation prescribed by the department no later than July 1, 2020.
(b) Documentation for prior purchase or lease.--If a county seeks reimbursement of the county's cost to purchase or lease by capital lease a voting apparatus that the county purchased or leased before the date that the county submits its application to the department, the county's application shall include documentation prescribed by the department to substantiate the county's cost to purchase or lease the voting apparatus, including copies of fully executed voting apparatus contracts, invoices and proof of payment to the vendor of the voting apparatus.
(c) Documentation for subsequent purchase or lease.--If a county seeks funding to purchase or lease by capital lease a voting apparatus that the county will purchase or lease after the date that the county submits its application to the department, the county's application shall include documentation prescribed by the department to substantiate the county's estimate to purchase or lease the voting apparatus, including copies of fully executed voting apparatus contracts, bids or price quotes submitted to the county by voting apparatus vendors and other price estimates or cost proposals.
(d) Review.--The department shall review each county application on a rolling basis and shall either approve or deny each county's application within 90 days of the date the application is received by the department. A county may supplement or amend submitted applications during the 90-day review period in consultation with the department.
(e) Approval for prior purchase or lease.--If the department approves a county's application submitted under subsection (b), the department and the county shall enter into a written grant agreement through which the department shall reimburse the county at the amount determined under subsection (g).
(f) Approval for subsequent purchase or lease.--If the department approves a county's application under subsection (c), the department and the county shall enter into a written grant agreement through which the department will provide funding to reimburse the county's cost to purchase or lease a voting apparatus at the amount determined under subsection (g). The county shall hold the grant money in an account of the county that is separate from each other county account. The county shall deliver quarterly reports to the department of the voting apparatus costs paid from the grant money in a form prescribed by the department. The county shall return any unspent grant money to the department within 30 days of the expiration of the grant agreement.
(g) Payments.--
(1) A county shall only receive amounts under this section to the extent that the department has bond proceeds available in the account from which to make payments.
(2) Except as provided under paragraph (3), a county which submitted an application approved under subsection (e) or (f) shall receive 60% of the total amount submitted under subsection (b) or (c) which may be reimbursed or paid.
(3) If the total amount submitted by all counties under paragraph (2) exceeds the total amount available for reimbursement or payment, a county shall receive a portion of the amount available equal to the total amount submitted by the county under subsection (b) or (c) which may be reimbursed or paid, divided by the total amount submitted by all counties under subsection (b) or (c) which may be reimbursed or paid.
(4) If any bond proceeds remain after the department has issued all reimbursements in accordance with paragraphs (1), (2) and (3), the department may utilize the remaining balance for grants for counties for the purchase and distribution to the counties of election security equipment. The department shall provide notice to each county no later than 30 days prior to receiving applications for grants under this paragraph.
(h) Certification.--A county shall only receive the reimbursement or funding under this article after making a certification to the department, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the chair and minority chair of the Appropriations Committee of the Senate, the chair and minority chair of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, the chair and minority chair of the State Government Committee of the Senate and the chair and minority chair of the State Government Committee of the House of Representatives that the county has completed a program under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1901(b)(1) (relating to removal of electors) and mailed notices required under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1901(b)(3) within the prior 12 months. The certification shall include information on whether the county has undertaken a canvass under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1901(b)(2).
(i) Department application.--The department shall apply to the authority for funding under section 1102-B only if the department has approved county applications under this article which total at least $50,000,000.
(1112-B added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
ARTICLE XII
Preparation For and Conduct of Primaries and
Elections
Section 1201. Notice of November Elections.--The county board of each county shall, not earlier than ten days nor later than three days before each November election, give notice of the same by newspaper publication in the county in accordance with the provisions of section 106 of this act, said notice to be published twice in counties of the first class and once in all other counties. Such notice shall set forth--(a) the officers to be elected in the State at large, or in said county, or in any district of which said county or part thereof forms a part, or in any city, borough, township, school district, poor district, ward or other district which is contained in such county; (b) the names of the candidates for election to Federal, State, county and city offices, whose names will appear upon the ballots or ballot labels; (c) the text of all constitutional amendments and other questions to be submitted at such election; (d) the places at which the election is to be held in the various election districts of the county; and (e) the date of the election and the hours during which the polls will be open. Such notice may include a portion of the form of ballot or diagram of the face of the voting machine in reduced size.
(1201 amended July 14, 1961, P.L.647, No.333)
Section 1201.1. Primary Election Notices in Second Class Counties.--(1201.1 deleted by amendment Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.681, No.169)
Section 1201.2. Publishing Constitutional Amendments.--In accordance with the requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall cause to have published in the manner prescribed all proposed amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania. As much of the money, from time to time, in the General Fund as shall be deemed necessary by the Governor is hereby appropriated to the Department of State to pay the costs of such publications.
(1201.2 added May 5, 1982, P.L.374, No.108)
Section 1202. Cards of Instructions and Supplies.--Prior to each primary and election each county board of election shall prepare full instructions for the guidance of electors in districts in which ballots are used, and also similar instructions for the guidance of electors in districts in which voting machines are used, and they shall cause the same, together with such portions of this act as deemed advisable, to be printed in large clear type on separate cards to be called cards of instruction. They shall also prepare blank forms of oaths of election officers, records of assisted voters, affidavits of challenged electors and others, general and duplicate return sheets, tally papers, statements, blank forms for numbered lists of voters, with sufficient space for noting their party enrollment at primaries, notice of penalties for the information of electors and election officers, and other forms and supplies required by this act for use in each election district of the county. Said forms, blank books, and other supplies shall have printed thereon appropriate instructions. In districts in which voting machines are used the general and duplicate return sheets and statement shall be printed to conform to the type of voting machine used in such districts and the designating number and letter, if any, on the counter for each candidate shall be printed thereon opposite the candidate's name.
Section 1203. Voter's Certificates.--At each primary and election each county board shall prepare a suitable number of voter's certificates which shall be in form approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth substantially as follows:
Voter's Certificate
|
(Primary) (Election)
|
19
|
I hereby certify that I am qualified to vote at this (primary) (election)
Approved..........................
The voter's certificate shall be so prepared as to be capable of being inserted by the election officers in a suitable file or binder to be furnished by the county board. One such file or binder shall be furnished by the county board for each election district for each primary and election, and shall have printed or written thereon the words "Voting Check List," together with the number of the district and ward, if any, and the date of the primary or election.
(1203 amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
Section 1204. Delivery of Ballots and Supplies to Judges of Election.--The cards of instruction, return sheets, tally papers, statements, oaths of election officers, affidavits, voter's certificates, and other forms and supplies required for use in each election district, and also the district register of such district, and in districts in which ballots are used, the official and specimen ballots prepared for use therein, shall be packed by the county board of elections in separate sealed packages for each election district, marked on the outside so as to clearly designate the districts for which they are intended, and, in the case of districts in which ballots are used, the number of ballots of each kind enclosed. They shall then be delivered by the county board, together with the ballot box which shall bear the name and number of the election district, to the judges of election in the several election districts, not later than the day prior to the day of the primary or election: Provided, however, That if, for any reason, it is impossible to deliver such packages to the judge of election in any district, such packages may be delivered to one of the inspectors therein. The respective judges of election or inspectors shall, on delivery to them of such packages, return receipts therefor to the county board, which shall keep a record of the time when and the manner in which the several packages are delivered. The county board may, in its discretion, require the respective judges of election to call at its office to obtain the said packages.
Section 1205. Time for Opening and Closing Polls.--At all primaries and elections the polls shall be opened at 7 A.M., Eastern Standard Time, and shall remain open continuously until 8 P.M., Eastern Standard Time, at which time they shall be closed.
Section 1206. Duties of Common Pleas Court on Days of Primaries and Elections.--The court of common pleas of each county of the Commonwealth or a judge or judges thereof, shall be in continuous session at the courthouse of said county, or, in judicial districts composed of more than one county, at the courthouse of the county in which such judge or judges reside, on the day of each primary and election from 7 o'clock A.M. until 10 o'clock P.M. and so long thereafter as it may appear that the process of said court will be necessary to secure a free, fair and correct computation and canvass of the votes cast at said election. In judicial districts having but one judge of the court of common pleas, such judge shall not be required to be in session, as aforesaid, between the hours of 12 o'clock noon and 2 o'clock P.M., nor between the hours of 5:30 o'clock P.M. and 7 o'clock P.M. During such period said court shall act as a committing magistrate for any violation of the election laws; shall settle summarily controversies that may arise with respect to the conduct of the election; shall issue process, if necessary, to enforce and secure compliance with the election laws; and shall decide such other matters pertaining to the election as may be necessary to carry out the intent of this act. When an individual is seeking a judicial order to vote, the court shall, pursuant to the provisions of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-252, 42 U.S.C. § 15301 et seq.), inform the individual of the provisional ballot process set forth in section 1210(a.4) and shall direct the individual to follow the procedure in section 1210(a.4). In counties of the third class the court shall have power to appoint additional clerks at the polling places where needed and requested by the election board: Provided, That for each clerk appointed from the majority political party, a clerk from the minority political party must also be appointed.
(1206 amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 1206.1. The counsel for the county board of elections shall be in constant attendance at the office of the board on the day of each primary and election from 7 o'clock A.M. until 12 o'clock noon, and from 2 o'clock P.M. until 5:30 o'clock P.M., and from 7 o'clock P.M. until 10 o'clock P.M., and shall, upon request, instruct election officers, overseers, watchers, and electors as to their rights and duties in election matters.
(1206.1 added June 19, 1939, P.L.449, No.255)
Section 1206.2. Title III Complaints.--The Department of State shall establish within the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation a procedure for the review of complaints regarding the administration of Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-252, 42 U.S.C. § 15301 et seq.). The Department of State shall provide a complaint form which shall require the signature of the complainant, an affidavit and notarization and the attachment of any supporting documentation.
(b) Where a complaint pertains to a local or county employe or official, the following procedure shall apply:
(1) The Department of State shall provide the county board of elections with a copy of the complaint within three business days of receipt.
(2) The county board of elections shall have twenty days to either reach an agreement with the complainant or file a written response to the complaint.
(3) The Department of State shall provide the complainant with a copy of the response and an opportunity for an informal hearing.
(4) Where an informal hearing is requested, the county board of elections shall be given notice and the opportunity to participate.
(5) The Department of State shall issue a final determination and remedial plan if necessary no later than ninety days after the filing of the complaint. If the Department of State fails to issue the determination within ninety days, it shall provide alternative dispute resolution for the disposition of the complaint. The alternative process shall be completed within sixty days of its commencement.
(c) Where a complaint pertains to the Department of State the following procedure shall apply:
(1) The Department of State shall forward the complaint to the Office of General Counsel within three business days of receipt.
(2) The Department of State shall have twenty days to either reach an agreement with the complainant or file a written response to the complaint.
(3) The Office of General Counsel shall provide the complainant with a copy of the response and an opportunity for an informal hearing.
(4) Where an informal hearing is requested, the Department of State shall be given notice and an opportunity to participate.
(5) The Office of General Counsel shall issue a final determination and remedial plan if necessary no later than ninety days after the filing of the complaint. If the Office of General Counsel fails to issue the determination within ninety days, it shall provide alternative dispute resolution for the disposition of the complaint. The alternative process shall be completed within sixty days of its commencement.
(d) Proceedings under this section shall not be considered an administrative adjudication under 2 Pa.C.S Chs. 5 Subch. A (relating to practice and procedure of Commonwealth agencies) and 7 Subch. A (relating to judicial review of Commonwealth agency action), known as the Administrative Agency Law.
(e) A determination made pursuant to subsection (b) shall not be an agency determination subject to appellate review pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 763 (relating to direct appeals from government agencies). Either party may initiate a de novo appeal from the department's final order in the court of common pleas of the county where the election board is located.
(f) A determination made pursuant to subsection (c) shall be an agency determination subject to appellate review pursuant to 42 Pa.C.s. § 763.
(1206.2 added Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 1207. Peace Officers; No Police Officer to Be Within One Hundred Feet of Polling Place; Exceptions; Presence of Soldiers Prohibited.--(First two sentences repealed Oct. 9, 2009, P.L.494, No.49) The election officers, or any three qualified electors of any election district, may call upon any mayor, chief burgess, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, deputy constable, or police officer, to clear an avenue to the door of any polling place which is obstructed in such a way as to prevent electors from approaching, or to maintain order and quell any disturbance, if such arises. No police officer in commission, whether in uniform or in citizen's clothes, shall be within one hundred feet of a polling place during the conduct of any primary or election, unless in the exercise of his privilege of voting, or for the purpose of serving warrants, or unless called upon to preserve the peace, as provided by this act: Provided, however, That such prohibition shall not apply to such police officers assigned to a police station or headquarters located in a building or on the premises where the polling place is located and such police officers must be within one hundred (100) feet of the polling place to enter and exit such police station or headquarters: And provided further, That in no event may any police officer unlawfully use or practice any intimidation, threats, force or violence nor, in any manner, unduly influence or overawe any elector or prevent him from voting or restrain his freedom of choice, nor may any such police officer electioneer or directly or indirectly attempt to influence the election or electors while within one hundred (100) feet of a polling place as herein set forth: And provided further, That where polling places are located in buildings or on premises where a police station or headquarters are located, the polling place shall be located in a separate room. No body of troops in the Army of the United States or of this Commonwealth shall be present, either armed or unarmed, at any place of election within this Commonwealth during the time of any primary or election: Provided, however, That no officer or soldier shall be prevented from exercising the right of suffrage in the election district in which he resides, if otherwise qualified.
(1207 amended July 1, 1976, P.L.523, No.124)
Section 1208. Meeting of Election Officers on Day of Election; Duties of Election Officers.--(a) The judges, inspectors, clerks of election and machine inspectors, together with the overseers, if any, shall meet in the respective places appointed for holding the election in each election district at least thirty minutes before the hour for opening the polls on the day of each primary and election. They shall thereupon, in the presence of each other, take and subscribe in duplicate to the oaths required by this act.
(b) If any judge of election shall not appear at the polling place by 7 o'clock A.M., on the day of any primary or election, the majority inspector shall appoint a judge of election, who is qualified under the provisions of this act. If any majority inspector of election shall not appear at said hour, the judge of election shall appoint a majority inspector, who is qualified under the provisions of this act. If any minority inspector of election shall not appear at said hour, the person who received the second highest vote for judge at the preceding election shall serve as minority inspector, if available, and if qualified under the provisions of this act. If such person is not available or not qualified, the qualified electors of the district, present at said time, shall, under the supervision of the judge of election, elect one of their number who is duly qualified, to fill said vacancy. If, for any reason, any vacancy in an election board shall not have been filled, as aforesaid, by 7:30 A.M., the qualified electors of the district, present at said time, shall elect a qualified person or persons to fill such vacancies. If any clerk shall not appear by 7 o'clock A.M., the inspector who appointed said clerk shall fill said vacancy, appointing a qualified elector therefor. If any machine inspector shall not appear at said time, it shall be the duty of the judge of election to promptly notify the county board, who shall immediately appoint a qualified machine inspector to fill said vacancy. Any persons thus appointed or elected to fill vacancies shall take and subscribe in duplicate to the oaths required by this act, and shall hold office only for said election.
(c) After the election board has been organized, the judge of election shall designate one of the inspectors of election to have custody of the district register and to make the entries therein, required by this act. In districts in which ballots are used, the other inspector shall have charge of the receipt and deposit of ballots in the ballot box, the judge or one of the clerks shall issue the ballots to electors after they are found entitled to vote, and the other clerk shall have custody of the "Voting Check List," and shall place the voter's certificates therein as they are received and approved. In districts in which voting machines are used, the other inspector or clerk shall have custody of the "Voting Check List," and shall place the voter's certificates therein as they are received and approved, and the judge shall have special charge of the operation of the voting machine: Provided, however, That the judge of election may make other arrangements for the division of the duties imposed by this act, so long as each election officer and clerk is assigned some specific duty to perform. If more than one voting machine is used, the judge shall be assisted by the machine inspectors, each machine inspector being assigned by him to have charge of the operation of a particular machine. In all election districts, the judge shall assign two (2) members of the election board or clerks to keep two (2) numbered lists of voters during the progress of the voting.
(d) Any election officer, clerk or machine inspector may be assigned by the judge of election to assist another officer, clerk or machine inspector in the performance of his duties, or to perform them for him during his temporary absence or disability.
Section 1209. Opening of Polls; Posting Cards of Instruction and Notices of Penalties and Voters' Rights; Examination of Voting Machines.--(Hdg. amended May 12, 2006, P.L.178, No.45) (a) In districts in which ballots are used, the election officers shall, after taking the oath, open the ballot boxes which have been furnished to them, and burn and totally destroy all the ballots and other papers which they may find therein, before the opening of the polls.
Whenever during any emergency, it becomes necessary to save waste paper on account of a shortage thereof, the Governor of the Commonwealth may, by proclamation, suspend the foregoing provisions relating to the destruction of ballots and papers, and in that case, the election board shall set the ballots and other papers aside and they shall be collected and disposed of by such means and in such manner as may be determined by the county election board. When the polling place is opened, the ballot box shall be securely locked, and shall not be opened until the close of the polls, as provided in section 1221. At the opening of the polls the seals of the packages furnished by the county board shall be publicly broken, and the said packages shall be opened by the judge of election. The cards of instruction and notices of penalties shall be immediately posted in each voting compartment, and not less than three such cards and notices of penalties and voters' rights, and not less than five specimen ballots (at primaries five of each party), shall be immediately posted in or about the voting room outside the enclosed space, and such cards of instruction, notices of penalties and specimen ballots shall be given to any elector at his request, so long as there are any on hand.
((a) amended May 12, 2006, P.L.178, No.45)
(a.1) The notice pertaining to voters' rights shall contain the following in boldface type:
An elector shall have the right to cast his or her vote:
without the use or threat of force, violence or restraint;
without the infliction or threat of infliction of injury;
without any intimidation or coercion upon or against his or her person; or
without any other action intended to deny any individual's right to vote.
((a.1) added May 12, 2006, P.L.178, No.45)
(b) (1) In districts in which voting machines are used, at the opening of the polls, the seals of the package furnished by the county board shall be publicly broken, and the said package shall be opened by the judge of election. Not less than three cards of instruction and notices of penalties, and not less than two diagrams of the face of the machine shall be immediately posted in or about the voting room outside the enclosed space, and such cards and notices of penalties shall be given to any elector at his request, so long as there are any on hand. Thereupon the election officers, before opening the envelope containing the keys which unlock the operating mechanism and registering counters or counter compartment of the voting machine, shall examine the number of the seal on the machine and the number registered on the protective counter or device, and shall see whether they are the same as the numbers written on the envelope containing the keys. If either number shall be found not to agree, the envelope shall remain unopened until the election officers shall have notified the proper custodian of voting machines, or the county board, and until the custodian or some other person authorized by the county board shall have presented himself at the polling place for the purpose of reexamining the machine, and shall have certified that it is properly arranged. But if the numbers on the seal and the protective counter or device shall both be found to agree with the numbers on the envelope, the envelope shall be opened, and where the voting machine provided is not equipped with mechanism for printing paper proof sheets, the election officers shall examine the registering counters, and, for that purpose, shall open the doors concealing such counters, if the construction of the voting machine shall so require, and, before the polls are opened, the judge and each inspector shall carefully examine every counter, and shall see that it registers zero (000), and shall allow the overseers and watchers to examine the counters. When the voting machine provided is equipped with mechanism for printing paper proof sheets, and requires the simultaneous use of three keys to unlock the registering counters or counter compartment, the judge of election shall deliver one of the two keys, aforesaid, to the minority inspector to be retained by him as hereinafter provided, and shall then print at least two proof sheets, one of which the judge and each inspector shall carefully examine to ascertain whether every counter registers zero (000), and shall then preserve said proof sheets to be signed by them and returned to the county election board, with the duplicate return sheet, and shall sign and post the other proof sheet upon the wall of the polling place, where it shall remain until the polls are closed. The key delivered by the judge of election to the minority inspector as aforesaid, shall be retained by the minority inspector until the polls have been closed, and the voting and counting mechanism of the machine shall have been locked and sealed against voting, and shall then be returned to the judge of election, for return by him to the county election board, as hereinafter provided.
(2) If the ballot labels containing the names of offices, parties, political bodies, candidates, and questions, shall not be in their proper places on the voting machine, the election officers, forthwith, shall notify the proper custodian of voting machines, or the county board, and the machine shall not be used until the custodian, or some other person authorized by the county board, shall have supplied ballot labels, as herein prescribed. If the ballot labels for a voting machine shall not be delivered at the time required, or if after delivery, they shall be lost, destroyed, or stolen, the county board or custodian shall cause other ballot labels to be prepared, printed or written, as nearly in the form of the official ballot labels as practicable, and shall cause such ballot labels to be used in the same manner, as nearly as may be, as the official ballot labels would have been used.
(3) The judge, each inspector of election, each clerk of election and the overseers, if any, shall sign a certificate showing--(1) the identifying number or other designation of the voting machine; (2) the delivery of the keys in a sealed envelope; (3) the number on the seal upon the machine; (4) the number registered on the protective counter or device; (5) that all of the counters were set at zero (000); and (6) that the ballot labels are properly placed in the machine, which certificate shall be returned by the judge of election to the county board with the other certificates, as hereinafter provided.
(4) The machine shall remain locked against voting until the polls are opened, and shall not be operated except by electors in voting. If any counter is found not to register zero (000), the election officer shall immediately notify the custodian, or the county board, who shall, if practicable, adjust or cause the counters to be adjusted at zero (000), but, if it shall be found impracticable for the custodian or other person authorized by the county board to arrive in time so to adjust such counters before the time set for opening the polls, the election officer shall immediately make a written record of the designation or designating letter or number of such counter, together with the number registered thereon, herein below called the initial number, and shall sign and post the same upon the wall of the polling place, where it shall remain until the polls are closed: Provided, however, That if the voting machine used is equipped with mechanism for printing paper proof sheets, in any case where any counter is shown by such proof sheet not to register zero (000), if it shall be found impracticable to have such counter adjusted before the time set for opening the polls, the election officer shall sign such printed proof sheet and post the same upon the wall of the polling place where it shall remain until the polls are closed; and, in filling out the returns of the election, if the final number of such counter is greater than the initial number, the election officer shall subtract the initial number from the final number, and enter the difference on the returns as the vote for the candidate or on the question represented by such counter; if the final number of such counter is less than the initial number, the election officers shall add one thousand to the final number and shall subtract the initial number from the sum so ascertained, and shall enter upon the returns as the vote for the candidate or on the question represented by such counter the final number plus one thousand less the initial number.
(5) The exterior of the voting machine, and every part of the polling place, shall be in plain view of the election officers, overseers and watchers. The voting machine shall be located in the polling place, at least six feet back of the guard-rail or barrier, in such a position that, unless its construction shall require otherwise, the ballot labels on the face of the machine can be seen plainly by the election officers, overseers and watchers when the machine is not occupied by a voter.
(6) The election officers shall not themselves be, nor allow any other person to be, in any position that will permit any one to see or ascertain how an elector votes, or how he has voted. The election officers, or one of them, shall inspect the face of the machine at frequent intervals, to see that the ballot labels are in their proper places, and that the machine has not been injured or tampered with.
(7) During a primary or election, the door, or other covering of the compartment containing the counters of the machine shall not be unlocked or opened, or the counters exposed, except by action of the proper custodian of voting machines, for good and sufficient reason, a statement of which shall be made in writing and signed by him and attested by the signatures of the election officers and overseers, or except upon the written order of the county board, for good and sufficient reason, which shall be stated in the order.
Section 1210. Manner of Applying to Vote; Persons Entitled to Vote; Voter's Certificates; Entries to Be Made in District Register; Numbered Lists of Voters; Challenges.--(a) At every primary and election each elector who appears to vote and who desires to vote shall first present to an election officer proof of identification.
The election officer shall examine the proof of identification presented by the elector and sign an affidavit stating that this has been done.
((a) amended Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(a.1) ((a.1) deleted by amendment Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(a.2) If any of the following apply, the elector shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot in accordance with subsection (a.4):
(1) The elector is unable to produce proof of identification:
(i) on the grounds that the elector is indigent and unable to obtain proof of identification without the payment of a fee; or
(ii) on any other grounds.
(2) The elector's proof of identification is challenged by the judge of elections.
((a.2) amended Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(a.3) (1) All electors, including any elector that shows proof of identification pursuant to subsection (a), shall subsequently sign a voter's certificate in blue, black or blue-black ink with a fountain pen or ball point pen, and, unless he is a State or Federal employe who has registered under any registration act without declaring his residence by street and number, he shall insert his address therein, and hand the same to the election officer in charge of the district register.
(2) Such election officer shall thereupon announce the elector's name so that it may be heard by all members of the election board and by all watchers present in the polling place and shall compare the elector's signature on his voter's certificate with his signature in the district register. If, upon such comparison, the signature upon the voter's certificate appears to be genuine, the elector who has signed the certificate shall, if otherwise qualified, be permitted to vote: Provided, That if the signature on the voter's certificate, as compared with the signature as recorded in the district register, shall not be deemed authentic by any of the election officers, such elector shall not be denied the right to vote for that reason, but shall be considered challenged as to identity and required to make the affidavit and produce the evidence as provided in subsection (d) of this section.
(3) When an elector has been found entitled to vote, the election officer who examined his voter's certificate and compared his signature shall sign his name or initials on the voter's certificate, shall, if the elector's signature is not readily legible, print such elector's name over his signature, and his number in the order of admission to the voting machines, and at primaries a letter or abbreviation designating the party in whose primary he votes shall also be entered by one of the election officers or clerks. ((3) amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
(4) As each voter is found to be qualified and votes, the election officer in charge of the district register shall write or stamp the date of the election or primary, his number in the order of admission to the voting machines, and at primaries a letter or abbreviation designating the party in whose primary he votes, and shall sign his name or initials in the proper space on the registration card of such voter contained in the district register. ((4) amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
(5) As each voter votes, his name in the order of voting shall be recorded in two (2) numbered lists of voters provided for that purpose, with the addition of a note of each voter's party enrollment after his name at primaries.
((a.3) amended Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(a.4) (1) At all elections an individual who claims to be properly registered and eligible to vote at the election district but whose name does not appear on the district register and whose registration cannot be determined by the inspectors of election or the county election board shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. Individuals who appear to vote shall be required to produce proof of identification pursuant to subsection (a) and if unable to do so shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. An individual presenting a judicial order to vote shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. ((1) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(2) Prior to voting the provisional ballot, the elector shall be required to sign an affidavit stating the following:
I do solemnly swear or affirm that my name is______________, that my date of birth is __________,and at the time that I registered I resided at __________ in the municipality of _________________ in _____________ County of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and that this is the only ballot that I cast in this election.
Signature of Voter/Elector
Current Address
Check the Reason for Casting the Provisional Ballot.
Signed by Judge of Elections and minority inspector
(3) After the provisional ballot has been cast, the individual shall place it in a secrecy envelope. The individual shall place the secrecy envelope in the provisional ballot envelope and shall place his signature on the front of the provisional ballot envelope. All provisional ballots shall remain sealed in their provisional ballot envelopes for return to the county board of elections.
(4) Within seven calendar days of the election, the county board of elections shall examine each provisional ballot envelope that is received to determine if the individual voting that ballot was entitled to vote at the election district in the election. One authorized representative of each candidate in an election and one representative from each political party shall be permitted to remain in the room in which the determination is being made. Representatives shall be permitted to keep a list of those persons who cast a provisional ballot and shall be entitled to challenge any determination of the county board of elections with respect to the counting or partial counting of the ballot under this section. Upon challenge of any provisional ballot under this clause, the ballot envelope shall be marked "challenged" together with the reason for the challenge, and the provisional ballot shall be set aside pending final determination of the challenge according to the following procedure:
(i) Provisional ballots marked "challenged" shall be placed unopened in a secure, safe and sealed container in the custody of the county board of elections until it shall fix a time and place for a formal hearing of all such challenges, and notice shall be given where possible to all provisional electors thus challenged and to every attorney, watcher or candidate who made the challenge.
(ii) The time for the hearing shall not be later than seven days after the date of the challenge.
(iii) On the day fixed for the hearing, the county board shall proceed without delay to hear the challenges and, in hearing the testimony, the county board shall not be bound by the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence.
(iv) The testimony presented shall be stenographically recorded and made part of the record of the hearing.
(v) The decision of the county board in upholding or dismissing any challenge may be reviewed by the court of common pleas of the county upon a petition filed by any petitioner aggrieved by the decision of the county board. The appeal shall be taken, within two days after the decision was made, whether the decision was reduced to writing or not, to the court of common pleas setting forth the objections to the county board's decision and praying for an order reversing the decision.
(vi) Pending the final determination of all appeals, the county board shall suspend any action in canvassing and computing all challenged provisional ballots irrespective of whether or not an appeal was taken from the county board's decision.
(vii) Upon completion of the computation of the returns of the county, the votes cast upon the challenged official provisional ballots shall be added to the other votes cast within the county.
(5) (i) Except as provided in subclause (ii), if it is determined that the individual was registered and entitled to vote at the election district where the ballot was cast, the county board of elections shall compare the signature on the provisional ballot envelope with the signature on the elector's registration form and, if the signatures are determined to be genuine, shall count the ballot if the county board of elections confirms that the individual did not cast any other ballot, including an absentee ballot, in the election.
(ii) A provisional ballot shall not be counted if:
(A) either the provisional ballot envelope under clause (3) or the affidavit under clause (2) is not signed by the individual;
(B) the signature required under clause (3) and the signature required under clause (2) are either not genuine or are not executed by the same individual;
(C) a provisional ballot envelope does not contain a secrecy envelope;
(D) in the case of a provisional ballot that was cast under subsection (a.2)(1)(i), within six calendar days following the election the elector fails to appear before the county board of elections to execute an affirmation or the county board of elections does not receive an electronic, facsimile or paper copy of an affirmation affirming, under penalty of perjury, that the elector is the same individual who personally appeared before the district election board on the day of the election and cast a provisional ballot and that the elector is indigent and unable to obtain proof of identification without the payment of a fee;
(E) in the case of a provisional ballot that was cast under subsection (a.2)(1)(ii), within six calendar days following the election, the elector fails to appear before the county board of elections to present proof of identification and execute an affirmation or the county board of elections does not receive an electronic, facsimile or paper copy of the proof of identification and an affirmation affirming, under penalty of perjury, that the elector is the same individual who personally appeared before the district election board on the day of the election and cast a provisional ballot; or
(F) the elector's absentee ballot or mail-in ballot is timely received by a county board of elections.
((ii) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(iii) One authorized representative of each candidate in an election and one representative from each party shall be permitted to remain in the room in which deliberation or determination of subclause (ii) is being made.
((5) amended Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(6) If it is determined that the individual voting the provisional ballot was not registered, the provisional ballot shall not be counted and the ballot shall remain in the provisional ballot envelope and shall be marked "Rejected as Ineligible."
(7) The following shall apply:
(i) Except as provided in subclause (ii), if it is determined that the individual voting the provisional ballot was eligible to vote in the county in which the ballot was cast but not at the election district where the ballot was cast, the county board of elections shall open the envelope and only count that portion of the ballot that the individual would have been eligible to vote in his proper election district and at the election district where the vote was cast if:
(A) the county board of elections confirms that the individual did not cast any other ballot, including an absentee ballot, in the election; and
(B) the individual casting the provisional ballot is a resident of the county in which the provisional ballot was cast.
(ii) In the event that the individual casting the provisional ballot is not found to be a resident of the county in which the provisional ballot was cast, the ballot shall not be counted.
(iii) In the event that the board of elections determines, based on an evidentiary record, that the individual intentionally and wilfully cast a provisional ballot in an election district in which the individual was not eligible to vote, the ballot shall not be counted.
(8) On election night, immediately upon completion of the count and tabulation of the votes cast, the judge of election shall prepare and certify under oath a tally displaying the number of provisional ballots received from the election board and the number of provisional ballots cast and transmitted to the county board of elections. The judge of election shall record on the tabulation the name of the individual into whose possession the provisional ballots were passed for transmission to the county board of elections.
(9) All provisional ballots and the tally of provisional ballots tabulated under clause (8) in the possession of an election board official shall be promptly returned by the judge of election to the custody of the proper county election board in accordance with sections 1113-A(j), 1225(b) and 1228(a).
(10) One authorized representative of each candidate in an election and one representative from each political party shall be permitted to remain in the room where provisional ballots are received by the county board of elections.
(11) The department shall establish a World Wide Web site and a toll-free telephone number to permit an individual who cast a provisional ballot to determine whether the vote of that individual was counted and, if the vote was not counted, the reason that it was not counted.
(12) For purposes of this subsection, "provisional ballot" means a ballot issued to an individual who claims to be a registered elector by the judge of elections on election day when the individual's name does not appear on the general register and the individual's registration cannot be verified.
(b) If any elector was unable to sign his name at the time of registration, or, if having been able to sign his name when registered, he subsequently shall have lost his sight or lost the hand with which he was accustomed to sign his name, or shall have been otherwise rendered by disease or accident unable to sign his name when he applies to vote, he shall establish his identity to the satisfaction of the election officers, and in such case he shall not be required to sign a voter's certificate, but a certificate shall be prepared for him by one of the election officers, upon which the facts as to such disability shall be noted and attested by the signature of such election officer.
(c) No person who applies to vote shall be permitted by any election officer or clerk or other person to see the signature recorded as his in the district register until after he shall have signed his name to the voter's certificate.
(d) No person, except a qualified elector who is in actual military or naval service under a requisition of the President of the United States or by the authority of this Commonwealth, and who votes under the provisions of Article XIII of this act, shall be entitled or permitted to vote at any primary or election at any polling place outside the election district in which he resides, nor shall he be permitted to vote in the election district in which he resides, unless he has been personally registered as an elector and his registration card appears in the district register of such election district, except by order of the court of common pleas as provided in this act, and any person, although personally registered as an elector, may be challenged by any qualified elector, election officer, overseer, or watcher at any primary or election as to his identity, as to his continued residence in the election district or as to any alleged violation of the provisions of section 1210 of this act, and if challenged as to identity or residence, he shall produce at least one qualified elector of the election district as a witness, who shall make affidavit of his identity or continued residence in the election district: Provided, however, That no person shall be entitled to vote as a member of a party at any primary, unless he is registered and enrolled as a member of such party upon the district register, which enrollment shall be conclusive as to his party membership and shall not be subject to challenge on the day of the primary.
(e) A person who wilfully commits fraud or who conspires to wilfully commit fraud in relation to any of the provisions of this section commits a felony of the third degree and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) or to undergo a term of imprisonment of not more than seven years, or both. An individual convicted under this subsection shall be barred for life from serving as a judge, inspector or clerk of election, machine inspector translator, county election board official, poll watcher or in any other official capacity relating to the sanctity, observation or conduct of Pennsylvania elections.
(f) As used in this section, "care facility" means any of the following:
(1) A long-term care nursing facility as defined in section 802.1 of the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the "Health Care Facilities Act."
(2) An assisted living residence or a personal care home as defined in section 1001 of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the "Public Welfare Code."
((f) added Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(1210 amended Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
Compiler's Note: The short title of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code, referred to in this section, was amended by the act of December 28, 2015 (P.L.500, No.92). The amended short title is now the Human Services Code.
Compiler's Note: Section 13.1 of Act 97 of 2004, which amended section 1210, provided that the amendment shall apply to all elections occurring on or after December 31, 2004.
Compiler's Note: See sections 10 and 11 of Act 18 of 2012 in the appendix to this act for special provisions relating to application of law.
Section 1211. Bribery at Elections; Challenges; Rejection of Votes.--(a) The election officers shall reject the vote of any person at any primary or election who shall give or promise or offer to give to an elector, any money, reward or other valuable consideration for his vote at such primary or election or for withholding the same, or who shall give or promise to give such consideration to any other person or party for such elector's vote or for the withholding thereof, or who shall receive or agree to receive for himself or for another any money, reward or other valuable consideration for his vote at such primary or election, or for withholding the same.
(b) The vote of any elector shall be rejected by the election officers if they or any one of them shall of their own knowledge know him to be guilty of a violation of any of the provisions of this section, or if upon challenge of such elector by any qualified elector, election officer, overseer or watcher, it shall be proved to their satisfaction that such elector has violated the provisions of this section, and in no case shall any elector so challenged be permitted to vote, unless he shall make written affidavit that the matter of the challenge is untrue.
Section 1212. Voting Check List.--After each elector has been admitted to vote, his voter's certificate shall be inserted in the file or binder provided therefor by the county board, and known as the "Voting Check List," and the said voter's certificate so bound shall constitute the official list of electors voting at such primary or election. All voter's certificates prepared by persons applying to vote whose applications to vote are refused by the election officer shall be carefully preserved and returned to the county board with the other papers.
Section 1213. Qualifications of Electors to Be Decided by Inspectors; Duty of Judge.--The inspectors of election shall investigate and pass upon the qualifications of all persons claiming the right to vote at any primary or election, and if the inspectors shall disagree upon the right of any person to vote, the judge of election shall decide the question. If the judge is unable to decide, then the overseers of election, if they be agreed, shall decide the question.
Section 1214. Admission of Electors Within Enclosed Space.--
(a) No elector shall be allowed to enter the enclosed space until he shall be found entitled to vote.
(b) As soon as an elector has been admitted within the enclosed space, the election officer having charge of the ballots in districts in which ballots are used, shall detach a ballot and give it to the elector, first folding it so that the words and figures printed on the back shall be the only words and figures visible, and no ballots shall be deposited in the ballot box unless folded in the same manner. Not more than one ballot shall be detached in any book of ballots at any one time. Not more than one ballot shall be given to an elector, but if an elector inadvertently spoils a ballot, he may obtain another upon returning the spoiled one. The ballots thus returned shall be immediately cancelled and at the close of the polls shall be enclosed in an envelope, sealed and returned to the county board. ((b) amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
(c) In districts in which voting machines are used, an elector, after being found to be qualified and admitted within the enclosed space, shall be admitted to the voting machine booth as soon as it is vacant, and shall be permitted to vote.
(d) Not more than twice as many electors waiting to vote as there are voting compartments or voting machines in use in the district shall be admitted within the enclosed space at any one time.
Section 1215. Method of Marking Ballots and Depositing Same in Districts in Which Ballots are Used.--(a) In districts in which ballots are used, the elector, after receiving his ballot, shall retire to one of the voting compartments, and draw the curtain or shut the screen or door, and shall then prepare his ballot.
(b) At primaries, the elector shall prepare his ballot in the following manner: He shall vote for the candidates of his choice for nomination or election, according to the number of persons to be voted for by him, for each office, by making a cross (X) or check (✓) mark in the square opposite the name of the candidate, or he may insert by writing or stamping in the blank space provided therefor, any name not already printed on the ballot, and such insertion shall count as a vote without the making of a cross (X) or check (✓) mark. In districts in which paper ballots or ballot cards are electronically tabulated, stickers or labels may not be used to mark ballots. ((b) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(c) At elections, the elector shall prepare his ballot in the following manner: He may vote for the candidates of his choice for each office to be filled according to the number of persons to be voted for by him for each office, by making a cross (X) or check (✓) mark in the square opposite the name of the candidate, or he may insert by writing or stamping in the blank spaces provided therefor, any name not already printed on the ballot, and such insertion shall count as a vote without the making of a cross (X) or check (✓) mark. In districts in which paper ballots or ballot cards are electronically tabulated, stickers or labels may not be used to mark ballots. If he desires to vote for every candidate of a political party or political body, except its candidates for offices as to which he votes for individual candidates in the manner hereinafter provided, he may make a cross (X) or check (✓) mark in the square opposite the name of the party or political body of his choice in the party column on the left of the ballot, and every such cross (X) or check (✓) mark shall be equivalent to and be counted as a vote for every candidate of a party or political body so marked, including its candidates for presidential electors, except for those offices as to which he has indicated a choice for individual candidates of the same or another party or political body, by making a cross (X) or check (✓) mark opposite their names in the manner hereinabove provided, as to which offices his ballot shall be counted only for the candidates which he has thus individually marked, notwithstanding the fact that he made a mark in the party column, and even though in the case of an office for which more than one candidate is to be voted for, he has not individually marked for such office the full number of candidates for which he is entitled to vote. If he desires to vote for the entire group of presidential electors nominated by any party or political body, he may make a cross (X) or check (✓) mark in the appropriate square at the right of the names of the candidates for President and Vice-President of such party or body. If he desires to vote a ticket for presidential electors made up of the names of persons nominated by different parties or political bodies, or partially of names of persons so in nomination and partially of names of persons not in nomination by any party or political body, or wholly of names of persons not in nomination by any party or political body, he shall insert, by writing or stamping, the names of the candidates for presidential electors for whom he desires to vote in the blank spaces provided therefor under the title of the office "Presidential Electors." In case of a question submitted to the vote of the electors, he may make a cross (X) or check (✓) mark in the appropriate square opposite the answer which he desires to give. ((c) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(d) Before leaving the voting compartment, the elector shall fold his ballot, without displaying the markings thereon, in the same way it was folded when received by him, and he shall then leave the compartment and exhibit the ballot to one of the election officers who shall ascertain by an inspection of the number appearing upon the right hand corner of the back of the ballot whether the ballot so exhibited to him is the same ballot which the elector received before entering the voting compartment. If it is the same, the election officer shall direct the elector, without unfolding the ballot, to remove the perforated corner containing the number, and the elector shall immediately deposit the ballot in the ballot box. Any ballot deposited in a ballot box at any primary or election without having the said number torn off shall be void and shall not be counted.
(1215 amended Jan. 8, 1960, 1959 P.L.2142, No.790)
Section 1216. Instructions of Voters and Manner of Voting in Districts in Which Voting Machines are Used.--
(a) In districts in which voting machines are used, the election officers shall, with the aid of the diagrams authorized by this act and the mechanically operated model, instruct each elector before he enters the voting machine booth regarding the operation of the machine, and shall give the elector opportunity personally to operate the model. In election districts using full-scale models listing the actual ballot labels for the primary or election as the case may be, any elector who desires a demonstration on such full-size scale model shall have the right to select any registered elector who is legally entitled to be inside the polling place under the provisions of this act to give such elector a demonstration. ((a) amended Nov. 21, 1969, P.L.309, No.132)
(b) If any voter, after entering the voting machine booth and before the closing of such booth, shall ask for further instructions concerning the manner of voting, any one of the election officers may give him such instructions, but no person giving a voter such instructions shall in any manner request, suggest or seek to persuade or induce any such elector to vote any particular ticket or for any particular candidate or for or against any particular question. After giving such instructions, and before the elector closes the booth or votes, the election officer shall retire, and the elector shall forthwith vote.
(c) At primaries, before a voter is admitted to the voting machine, it shall be adjusted by the election officer in charge thereof, so that such voter will only be able to vote for the candidates of the party in which he is registered and enrolled and for candidates for nonpartisan nomination, if any.
(d) At all elections, the elector shall vote for each candidate individually by operating the key, handle, pointer or knob, upon or adjacent to which the name of such candidate is placed. In the case of a question submitted to the vote of the electors, the elector shall operate the key, handle, pointer or knob corresponding to the answer which he desires to give. ((d) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(e) A voter may, at any primary or election, vote for any person for any office, for which office his name does not appear upon the voting machine as a candidate, by an irregular ballot containing the name of such person deposited, written or affixed in or upon the appropriate receptacle or device provided in or on the machine for that purpose, and in no other manner. Where two or more persons are to be elected to the same office, and the name of each candidate is placed upon or adjacent to a separate key, handle, pointer or knob, and the voting machine requires that all irregular ballots voted for that office be deposited, written or affixed in or upon a single receptacle or device, an elector may vote in or by such receptacle or device for one or more persons whose names do not appear upon the machine, with or without the names of one or more persons whose names do so appear. With these exceptions no irregular ballot shall be cast on a voting machine for any person for any office, whose name appears on the machine as a candidate for that office, and any ballot so cast shall be void and not counted.
(f) At any general election at which presidential electors are to be chosen, each elector shall be permitted to vote by one operation for all the presidential electors of a political party or political body. For each party or body nominating presidential electors, a ballot label shall be provided containing only the words "Presidential Electors," preceded by the names of the party or body and followed by the names of the candidates thereof for the office of President and Vice-President, and the corresponding counter or registering device shall register votes cast for said electors when thus voted for collectively. If an elector desires to vote a ticket for presidential electors made up of the names of persons nominated by different parties or bodies, or partially of names of persons so in nomination and partially of names of persons not in nomination by any party or body, or wholly of names of persons not in nomination by any party or body, he may write or deposit a paper ballot prepared by himself in the receptacle provided in or on the machine for the purpose. The machine shall be so constructed that it will not be possible for any one voter to vote a straight party ticket for presidential electors and at the same time to deposit a ballot for presidential electors in a receptacle as provided in this section. When the votes for presidential electors are counted, the votes appearing upon the counter or registering device corresponding to the ballot label containing the names of the candidates for President and Vice-President of any party or body shall be counted as votes for each of the candidates for presidential elector of such party or body, and thereupon all candidates for presidential elector shall be credited, in addition, with the votes cast for them upon the ballots deposited in the machine, as provided in this section. ((f) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(g) As soon as the elector has adjusted the voting machine so that it will record his choice for the various candidates to be voted for, and his answers to the various questions submitted, he shall operate the recording mechanism, and forthwith leave the voting machine booth.
Section 1217. Time Allowed Elector in Voting Booth or Voting Machine Compartment.--No elector shall remain in a voting compartment or voting machine booth an unreasonable length of time, and, in no event, for more than three minutes, and if he shall refuse to leave after said period, he shall be removed by the election officers: Provided, however, That they may grant him a longer time if other electors are not waiting to vote.
Section 1218. Assistance in Voting.--
(a) No voter shall be permitted to receive any assistance in voting at any primary or election, unless there is recorded upon his registration card his declaration that, by reason of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write, he is unable to read the names on the ballot or on the voting machine labels, or that he has a physical disability which renders him unable to see or mark the ballot or operate the voting machine, or to enter the voting compartment or voting machine booth without assistance, the exact nature of such condition being recorded on such registration card, and unless the election officers are satisfied that he still suffers from the same condition.
(b) Any elector who is entitled to receive assistance in voting under the provisions of this section shall be permitted by the judge of election to select a person of the elector's choice to enter the voting compartment or voting machine booth with him to assist him in voting, such assistance to be rendered inside the voting compartment or voting machine booth except that the judge of election, the elector's employer or an agent of the employer or an officer or agent of the elector's union shall not be eligible to assist the elector.
(c) In every case of assistance under the provisions of this section, the judge of election shall forthwith enter in writing in a book to be furnished by the county board of elections, to be known as the record of assisted voters--(1) the voter's name; (2) a statement of the facts which entitle him to receive assistance; and (3) the name of the person furnishing the assistance. The record of assisted voters shall be returned by the judge of election to the county board of elections with the other papers, as hereinafter provided, and said county board shall permit the same to be examined only upon the written order of a judge of the court of common pleas: Provided, however, That such record shall be subject to subpoena to the same extent to which other election records may be subpoenaed: And provided further, That the county election board shall permit any registration commission to examine any records of assisted voters without a court order, in order that the registration commission may ascertain whether electors, who have declared, at the time of registration, their need for assistance, actually did receive assistance when voting at any election.
(1218 amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 1219. Ballots to Be Issued by Election Officers Only; Ballots Not to Be Removed; Official Ballots Only to Be Deposited or Counted.--No official ballot shall be taken from any book of ballots, except by an election officer or clerk when a person desiring to vote has been found to be a qualified elector entitled to vote. Not more than one ballot shall be removed at any one time or given to an elector, except in the case of a spoiled ballot as provided by this act. No person other than the election officers shall take or remove any ballot from the polling place. No ballot without the official endorsement shall, except as herein otherwise provided, be deposited in the ballot box, and no other ballots shall be counted. If any ballot appears to have been obtained otherwise than from the county board as provided by this act, the same shall not be counted, and the judge of election shall transmit such ballot to the district attorney without delay, together with whatever information he may have regarding the same.
(1219 amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
Section 1220. Regulations in Force at Polling Places.--(a) Until the polls are closed, no person shall be allowed in the polling place outside of the enclosed space at any primary or election, except the watchers, voters not exceeding ten at any one time who are awaiting their turn to vote, and peace officers, when necessary for the preservation of the peace. No elector shall be allowed to occupy a voting compartment or voting machine booth already occupied by another, except when giving assistance as permitted by this act.
(b) No elector, except an election officer, clerk, machine inspector or overseer, shall be allowed to re-enter the enclosed space after he has once left it, except to give assistance as provided by this act.
(c) No person, when within the polling place, shall electioneer or solicit votes for any political party, political body or candidate, nor shall any written or printed matter be posted up within the said room, except as required by this act.
(d) All persons, except election officers, clerks, machine inspectors, overseers, watchers, persons in the course of voting, persons lawfully giving assistance to voters, and peace and police officers, when permitted by the provisions of this act, must remain at least ten (10) feet distant from the polling place during the progress of the voting.
(e) When the hour for closing the polls shall arrive, all qualified electors who have already qualified, and are inside the enclosed space, shall be permitted to vote; and, in addition thereto, all those qualified electors who are in the polling place outside the enclosed space waiting to vote and all those voters who are in line either inside or outside of the polling place waiting to vote, shall be permitted to do so, if found qualified. ((e) amended Aug. 31, 1971, P.L.397, No.95)
(f) It shall be the duty of the judge of election to secure the observance of the provision of this section, to keep order in the voting room, and to see that no more persons are admitted within the enclosed space than are permitted by this act. The judge of election may call upon any constable, deputy constable, police officer or other peace officer to aid him in the performance of his duties under this section.
Section 1221. Duties of Election Officers After the Close of the Polls in Districts in Which Ballots are Used.--After the polls are closed and the last elector has voted in districts in which ballots are used, the election officers, clerks and overseers, if any, shall remain within the enclosed space. Before the ballot box is opened, the number of ballots issued to electors (at primaries the number issued to the electors of each party) and the number of ballots (at primaries the number of ballots of each party), if any, spoiled and returned by voters and cancelled, shall be announced to all present in the voting room, and entered on the general returns of votes cast at such primary or election. The election officers shall then compare the number of electors voting with the number of names marked as voting in the district register, "Voting Check List," and numbered lists of voters, shall announce the result, and shall enter on the general returns the number of electors who have voted, as shown by the "Voter's Check List." If any differences exist, they shall be reconciled, if possible, otherwise they shall be noted on the general returns. The district register, the "Voting Check List" and the numbered lists of voters, together with all unused ballots, and all spoiled and cancelled ballots, and all rejected voter's certificates shall then be placed in separate packages, containers or envelopes, and sealed, before the ballot box is opened.
(1221 amended Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.673, No.94)
Section 1222. Count and Return of Votes in Districts in Which Ballots are Used.--
(a) As soon as all the ballots have been properly accounted for, and those outside the ballot box, as well as the "Voting Check List," numbered lists of voters and district register sealed, the election officers shall forthwith open the ballot box, and take therefrom all ballots therein, and at primaries, separate the same according to the party to which they belong. The ballots shall then be counted one by one, and a record made of the total number, and at primaries of the total number cast for each party. Then the judge, under the scrutiny of the minority inspector, or the minority inspector, under the scrutiny of the judge, in the presence of the other officers, clerks, and of the overseers, if any, and within the hearing and sight of the watchers outside the enclosed space, shall read aloud the names of the candidates marked or inserted upon each ballot (at primaries the ballots of each party being read in sequence), together with the office for which the person named is a candidate, and the answers contained on the ballots to the questions submitted, if any, and the majority inspector and clerks shall carefully enter each vote as read, and keep account of the same in ink in triplicate tally papers (triplicate tally papers for each party at primaries) to be provided by the county board of elections for that purpose, all three of which shall be made at the same time. All ballots, after being removed from the box, shall be kept within the unobstructed view of all persons in the voting room until replaced in the box. No person while handling the ballots shall have in his hand any pencil, pen, stamp or other means of marking or spoiling any ballot. The election officers shall forthwith proceed to canvass and compute the votes cast, and shall not adjourn or postpone the canvass or computation until it shall have been fully completed.
(b) When the vote cast for the different persons named upon the ballots and upon the questions, if any, appearing thereon, shall have been fully recorded in the tally papers and counted, the election officers shall duly certify to the number of votes cast for each person (upon the respective party tickets at primaries), and shall prepare in ink two (2) general returns, showing, in addition to the entries made thereon as aforesaid, the total number of ballots received from the county board (the total of each party at primaries), the number of ballots cast (the number of each party at primaries), the number of ballots (of each party at primaries) declared void, and the number of ballots spoiled and cancelled, and any blank ballots cast, as well as the votes cast for each candidate. At elections, the number of votes cast for each candidate by each political party or political body of which such candidate is a nominee shall be separately stated. In an immediate column to the left thereto, the number of votes received by each candidate upon all ballots shall be entered, such column to be of convenient width and shall be headed "number of votes received." The total number of votes received by each candidate shall be entered in a column on the extreme right-hand side of the return sheets, which column shall be of convenient width and shall be headed "total number of votes."
Nothing in this section contained shall be construed to authorize or permit the canvassing, counting or tallying ballots with any less degree of strictness than otherwise required by law.
(c) In returning any votes cast for any person whose name is not printed on the ballot, the election officers shall record any such names exactly as they were written or stamped upon the ballot. In districts in which paper ballots or ballot cards are electronically tabulated, stickers or labels may not be used to mark ballots. A vote cast by means of a sticker or label affixed to a ballot or ballot card shall be void and may not be counted.
(1222 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1223. What Ballots Shall Be Counted; Manner of Counting; Defective Ballots.--(a) No ballot which is so marked as to be capable of identification shall be counted. Any ballot that is marked in blue, black or blue-black ink, in fountain pen or ball point pen, or black lead pencil or indelible pencil, shall be valid and counted: Provided, That all markings on the ballot are made by the same pen or pencil. Any ballot marked by any other mark than an (X) or check (✓) in the spaces provided for that purpose shall be void and not counted: Provided, however, That no vote recorded thereon shall be declared void because a cross (X) or check (✓) mark thereon is irregular in form. Any erasure or mutilation in the vote in any office block shall render void the vote for any candidates in said block, but shall not invalidate the votes cast on the remainder of the ballot, if otherwise properly marked. Any ballot indicating a vote for any person whose name is not printed on the ballot, by writing or stamping, shall be counted as a vote for such person, if placed in the proper space or spaces provided for that purpose, whether or not an (X) or check (✓) is placed after the name of such person: Provided, however, That if such writing or stamping is placed over the name of a candidate printed on the ballot, it shall render the entire vote in said office block void. In districts in which paper ballots or ballot cards are electronically tabulated, stickers or labels may not be used to mark ballots. A vote cast by means of a sticker or label affixed to a ballot or ballot card shall be void and may not be counted. If an elector shall mark his ballot for more persons for any office than there are candidates to be voted for for such office, or if, for any reason, it may be impossible to determine his choice for any office, his ballot shall not be counted for such office, but the ballot shall be counted for all offices for which it is properly marked. Ballots not marked, or improperly or defectively marked, so that the whole ballot is void, shall be set aside and shall be preserved with the other ballots. ((a) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(b) At November elections, a cross (X) or check (✓) mark in the square opposite the name of political party or political body in the party column shall be counted as a vote for every candidate of that party or body so marked, including its candidates for presidential electors, except for those offices as to which the voter has indicated a choice for individual candidates of the same or another party or body in any office block, in which case the ballot for such office block shall be counted only for the candidates thus individually marked, notwithstanding the fact that the voter has made a mark in the party column, and even though in the case of an office for which more than one candidate is to be voted for, he has not individually marked for such office the full number of candidates for which he is entitled to vote.
(1223 amended Jan. 8, 1960, 1959 P.L.2142, No.790)
Section 1224. Ballot Decisions to Be Made by Inspectors; Duty of Judge.--Decisions concerning questionable marks on ballots or defacing or mutilation of ballots, and the count to be recorded thereon, shall be made in the same manner as decisions concerning the qualifications of voters, as provided in section 1213 herein.
Section 1225. Signing and Disposition of Returns, District Register and Voting Check List; Posting; Return of Ballot Boxes.--(a) Immediately after the vote has been counted in districts in which paper ballots are used, all of the general returns shall be signed by the election officers and clerks, and certified by the overseers, if any. If any election officer, clerk or overseer shall refuse to sign or certify the general returns, he shall write his reasons therefor upon the general return sheets. One of said returns shall be immediately posted for the information of the public outside the polling place, and one shall be entrusted to the judge for delivery to the county board with the package of unused ballots, etc., in an envelope provided for that purpose. The election officers shall then replace all the ballots cast, so counted and canvassed, in the ballot boxes, including those declared void, spoiled, and cancelled, together with one set of tally papers, one numbered list of voters, sealed as aforesaid, and one oath of each election officer, and lock and seal each ballot box so that nothing can be inserted therein until it be opened again; and the judge and minority inspector shall immediately deliver the ballot boxes to the custody of the county board, and the county board shall not compute any returns from any election district until the ballot boxes therefor, as well as the package of unused ballots, etc., aforesaid therefrom, are delivered, as aforesaid. The election officers shall record the number of votes cast for each person on an official specimen ballot, shall sign the same and immediately post it outside the polling place for the information of the public.
(b) The minority inspector shall retain one complete set of tally papers, one numbered list of voters, sealed as aforesaid, and one set of oaths of election officers and carefully preserve the same for a period of at least one year. The remaining tally papers, affidavits of voters and others, including oaths of election officers, and one general return sheet shall be placed in separate envelopes, to be provided for that purpose, and sealed as soon as the count is finally completed. All of such envelopes and one numbered list of voters, previously sealed as aforesaid, shall be entrusted to the judge of election to be immediately delivered to the county board. The judge of elections shall return to the county board by two o'clock A. M. on the day following the election envelopes; supplies, including all uncast provisional ballots; and returns, including all provisional ballots and absentee ballots cast in the election district.
(c) Immediately upon completion of the count and tabulation of the votes cast, the district register and the voting check list shall be locked and sealed, and returned forthwith by the judge of election to the custody of the proper registration commission.
(1225 amended Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
Section 1226. Duties of Election Officers After the Close of the Polls in Districts in Which Voting Machines are Used.--(a) When the hour for closing the polls shall arrive, all qualified electors who have already qualified and are inside the enclosed space shall be permitted to vote; and in addition thereto, all those qualified electors who are in the polling place outside the enclosed space waiting to vote and all those who are in line either inside or outside of the polling place waiting to vote, shall be permitted by the election officers to do so. As soon as the polls are closed, and the last voter has voted, the election officers shall immediately lock and seal the operating lever or mechanism of the machine, so that the voting and counting mechanism will be prevented from operation, and, they the clerk and the overseers, if any, shall then sign a certificate stating--(1) that the machine has been locked against voting and sealed; (2) the number, as shown on the public counter; (3) the number on the seal which they have placed upon the machine; (4) the number registered on the protective counter or device; and (5) the number or other designation of the voting machine, which certificate shall be returned by the judge of election to the county board with the other certificates, as herein provided. The election officers shall then compare the number, as shown by the public counter of the machine, with the number of names written in the numbered lists of voters, the district register and voting check list, which shall then be placed in separate packages, containers or envelopes and sealed.
(1226 amended May 5, 1986, P.L.150, No.47)
Section 1227. Canvass and Return of Votes in Districts in Which Voting Machines are Used.--(a) If the type of voting machine provided shall require the counters to be seen in order to enable the election officers to canvass the vote, the election officers, in the presence of the watchers and all other persons who may be lawfully within the polling place, shall then make visible the registering counters, and, for that purpose, shall unlock and open the doors, or other covering concealing the same, giving full view of all the counter numbers. If the voting machine is equipped with mechanism for printing paper proof sheets, the election officers shall forthwith print not less than four proof sheets, and as many more as may be necessary to supply one to each member of the election board, overseer, candidate, watcher, representative of a newspaper, and other persons who may be lawfully present within the polling place, requesting the same. The judge of election and the minority inspector shall then, under the scrutiny of the majority inspector of election, the clerk appointed by the minority inspector, the overseers, if any, and the watchers, and in the order of the offices as their titles are arranged on the machine, read from the counters or from one of the proof sheets, as the case may be, and announce, in distinct tones, the designation or designating number and letter on each counter for each candidate's name, the result as shown by the counter numbers, the votes recorded for each office for persons other than nominated candidates, and the designation or designating numbers and letters on each counter, and the results as shown by the counter numbers for and against each question voted on. The counters shall not be read consecutively along the party rows or columns, but shall always be read along the office columns or rows, completing the canvass for each office or question before proceeding to the next.
(b) The vote as registered shall be entered by the election officers, in ink, on duplicate return sheets, and also on a general return sheet and statement, all of which, after the canvass is completed, shall be signed by the election officers, the clerk, and certified by the overseers, if any. If any election officer, clerk or overseer shall refuse to sign or certify the general or duplicate return sheets or statement, he shall write his reasons therefor upon said sheets. The vote for presidential electors shall be computed and returned as provided hereinbefore in section 1215 of this act. If more than one voting machine is used in any election district, the vote registered on each machine shall be ascertained in like manner, and separately entered in appropriate spaces on the general and duplicate return sheets and statement. The total vote cast for each candidate, and for and against each question, shall then be computed and entered on the general and duplicate return sheets and statement. There shall also be entered on the general return sheet and statement the number of voters who have voted and in primaries, the number of voters who voted in each party, as shown by the numbered lists of voters, district register, and voting check list, and the number on each machine, as shown by the public counters, and also the number registered on the protective counter or device on each machine immediately prior to the opening of the polls and immediately after the closing thereof and sealing of the machine. The number or other designation of each machine used shall also be entered thereon. In the case of primary elections, duplicate return sheets shall be prepared as for other elections. The registering counters of the voting machine or the paper proof sheets, as the case may be, shall remain exposed to view until the said returns, and all other reports have been fully completed and checked by the inspectors, clerk and overseers, if any. During such time, any candidate, or duly accredited watcher, who may desire to be present shall be admitted to the polling place. ((b) amended Feb. 2, 1966, 1965 P.L.1859, No.585)
(c) The proclamation of the result of the votes cast shall be announced distinctly and audibly by the judge of election, who shall read the name of each candidate, the designation or designating numbers and letters of his counters, and the vote registered on each counter, also the vote cast for and against each question submitted. During such proclamation, ample opportunity shall be given to any person lawfully present to compare the results so announced with the counter dials of the machine or with the paper proof sheets, as the case may be, and any necessary corrections shall then and there be made by the election officers, after which the doors or other cover of the voting machine shall be closed and locked. Any ballots written, deposited, or affixed, in or upon the voting machine, shall be inclosed in properly sealed packages, and properly indorsed, and shall be delivered by the judge of election as hereinafter provided. The judge of election shall promptly deliver to the county board, or their duly authorized representative, the keys of the voting machine, inclosed in a sealed envelope, if the construction of the voting machine shall permit their separate return. Said envelope shall have indorsed thereon a certificate of the election officers, stating the number of the machine, the election district where it has been used, the number on the seal, and the number on the protective counter or device at the close of the polls.
(d) The election officers, on the foregoing returns, shall record any votes which have been cast for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot labels, by means of an irregular ballot, as defined herein. In returning any such votes which have been written or deposited upon receptacles or devices provided for the purpose, the election officers shall record any such names exactly as they were written or deposited. ((d) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1228. Disposition of Returns; Posting; Return of District Register and Voting Check List.--(a) The general return sheet, duplicate return sheets, and statement, shall be printed to conform to the type of voting machine used, and in form approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The designating number and letter, if any, on the counter for each candidate, shall be printed thereon opposite the candidate's name: Provided, however, That it shall not be necessary to print the name or designating counter number or letter of any candidate for any borough, township, ward, or election district office. Immediately after the vote has been ascertained, the statement thereof shall be posted on the door of the polling place. The minority inspector shall retain one of said duplicate return sheets, one numbered list of voters, sealed as aforesaid, and one set of oaths of election officers and carefully preserve the same for a period of at least one year. The other duplicate return sheet, numbered list of voters, oaths of election officers, and affidavits of voters and others, shall be sealed up and given to the judge of election, who shall deliver them, together with the general return sheet and the package of ballots deposited, written or affixed in or upon the voting machine, to the county board. If the type of voting machine is equipped with mechanism for printing paper proof sheets, one of said proof sheets shall be posted on the door of the polling place with the statement aforesaid; one shall be retained by the minority inspector; one shall be placed in the envelope and delivered with the general return sheet; and one shall be sealed in the envelope with the duplicate return sheets and delivered by the judge of election to the county board. The printed proof sheet returned with the general return sheet, and the printed proof sheet returned with the duplicate return sheet, shall each be part of the return of the election. The judge of elections shall return to the county board by two o'clock A. M. on the day following the election envelopes; supplies, including all uncast provisional ballots; and returns, including all provisional ballots and absentee ballots cast in the election district.
(b) Immediately upon completion of the count and tabulation of the vote cast, the district register and the voting check list shall be locked and sealed, and returned forthwith by the judge of election to the custody of the proper registration commission. In cities of the first class, the registration commission shall designate police stations at which it will accept such custody.
(1228 amended Oct. 8, 2004, P.L.807, No.97)
Section 1229. Conduct of Special Elections; Returns.--Every special election on a proposed constitutional amendment or other question, to be voted on by the electors of the State at large, or by the electors of any political district, shall be held and conducted in all respects in accordance with the provisions of this act relating to November elections, and the provisions of this act relating to November elections shall apply thereto, in so far as applicable, and not inconsistent with any other provisions of this act. All such special elections shall be conducted by the election officers and clerks, by the use of the same equipment and facilities, so far as practicable, as are used for such November elections. The returns of special elections, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be prepared and returned in like manner as returns from November elections, and shall be canvassed and computed as herein provided.
Section 1230. Removal and Storage of Voting Machines.--As soon as possible after the completion of the count in districts in which voting machines are used, the county board shall have the voting machines properly boxed, and removed to the place of storage provided for in this act. The voting machines shall remain locked against voting for the period of twenty days next following each primary and election, and as much longer as may be necessary or advisable because of any existing or threatened contest over the result of the primary or election, with due regard for the date of the next following election or primary, except that they may be opened and all the data and figures therein examined under the provisions of this act, by order of any court of competent jurisdiction, or judge thereof, or by direction of any legislative committee to investigate and report upon contested primaries or elections affected by the use of such machines, and such data and such figures shall be examined by such committee in the presence of the officer having the custody of such machines.
Section 1231. Deadline for Receipt of Valid Voter Registration Application.--(a) Except as provided under subsection (b), each commission, commissioner and registrar or clerk appointed by the commission shall receive, during ordinary business hours and during additional hours as the commission prescribes, at the office of the commission and at additional places as the commission designates, applications from individuals who apply to be registered to vote as provided under 25 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV (relating to voter registration) who appear and claim that they are entitled to be registered as electors of a municipality.
(b) In the administration of voter registration, each commission shall ensure that an applicant who is a qualified elector is registered to vote in an election when the applicant has met any of the following conditions:
(1) In the case of voter registration with a motor vehicle driver's license application under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1323 (relating to application with driver's license application), if the valid voter registration application is received by the appropriate commission not later than fifteen days before the election.
(2) (Reserved).
(3) In the case of voter registration at a voter registration agency under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1325 (relating to government agencies), if the valid voter registration application is received by the appropriate commission not later than fifteen days before the election.
(4) In any other case, if the valid voter registration application of the applicant is received by the appropriate commission not later than fifteen days before the election.
(c) (1) In the case of a special election within a congressional, senatorial or representative district held on a day other than the day of a primary, general or municipal election, the registration application forms shall not be processed in the wards and election districts comprising the district for the fifteen days prior to the special election for such election.
(2) ((2) deleted by amendment Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12).
(d) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Commission" shall mean a registration commission established under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1203 (relating to commissions).
"Commissioner" shall mean a member of a commission.
(e) (1) An applicant whose voter registration application is timely received under subsection (b) or (c) shall be deemed a registered elector of the county immediately upon acceptance of the voter registration application by the commission under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1328(c)(1) or (2) (relating to approval of registration applications), and the commission shall enter the elector's registration information in the general register, with the elector's unique identification number entered as his or her SURE registration number.
(2) Notwithstanding 25 Pa.C.S. § 1328(b)(2), if under subsection (b) or (c) an applicant timely presents his or her own application for voter registration under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1322 (relating to in-person voter registration), the commission shall immediately examine the application pursuant to 25 Pa.C.S. § 1328(a) and shall, while the applicant waits, promptly decide on said application by either accepting it, rejecting it or forwarding it pursuant to 25 Pa.C.S. § 1328(b) and, if accepted, process the application in accordance with 25 Pa.C.S. § 1328(c).
((e) added Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(1231 added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1232. Appeals.--(a) An individual whose application to be registered has been denied under section 1231 or 25 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV (relating to voter registration) may file with the commission a petition to be registered, setting forth the grounds of the petition under oath or affirmation. The petition must be filed by the eighth day prior to an election.
(b) (1) The commission shall fix a time for a public hearing at its office not later than the fifth day prior to the election.
(2) The commission shall give the person responsible for the rejection forty-eight hours' notice of the hearing.
(3) At the hearing, a clerk, inspector of registration or qualified elector of the county may offer evidence as to why the petitioner should not be registered.
(4) The commission, if satisfied that the petitioner is entitled to be registered, shall direct registration.
(c) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Commission" shall mean a registration commission established under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1203 (relating to commissions).
(1232 added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Section 1233. Appeals to Court of Common Pleas.--(a) An applicant whose claim for registration under section 1231 and 25 Pa.C.S. Pt. IV (relating to voter registration) has been denied shall have standing to appeal an action of a commission to the appropriate court of common pleas.
(b) An appeal under subsection (a) must be made by the third day preceding an election.
(c) The appeal must request relief and specify the grounds for relief.
(d) Upon timely receipt of an appeal under this section, the court shall conduct a hearing.
(e) If the court finds that an injustice has been done, the court shall reverse or modify the ruling of the commission and issue appropriate injunctive relief.
(f) The following shall apply:
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the court may award costs for the appeal to the prevailing party.
(2) Costs may not be assessed against a commission or a county.
(g) As used in this section, "commission" shall mean a registration commission established under 25 Pa.C.S. § 1203 (relating to commissions).
(1233 added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
ARTICLE XIII
Voting By Qualified Absentee Electors
(Hdg. amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 1301. Qualified Absentee Electors.--The following persons shall be entitled to vote by an official absentee ballot in any primary or election held in this Commonwealth in the manner hereinafter provided:
(a) Any qualified elector who is or who may be in the military service of the United States regardless of whether at the time of voting he is present in the election district of his residence or is within or without this Commonwealth and regardless of whether he is registered or enrolled; or
(b) Any qualified elector who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person in the military service of the United States if at the time of voting such spouse or dependent is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(c) Any qualified elector who is or who may be in the service of the Merchant Marine of the United States if at the time of voting he is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(d) Any qualified elector who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person who is in the service of the Merchant Marine of the United States if at the time of voting such spouse or dependent is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(e) Any qualified elector who is or who may be in a religious or welfare group officially attached to and serving with the armed forces if at the time of voting he is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(f) Any qualified elector who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person in a religious or welfare group officially attached to and serving with the armed forces if at the time of voting such spouse or dependent is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(g) Any qualified elector who expects to be or is outside the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia because his duties, occupation or business require him to be elsewhere during the entire period the polls are open for voting on the day of any primary or election or who is or who may be a civilian employee of the United States outside the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia, whether or not such elector is subject to civil-service laws and the Classification Act of 1949 and whether or not paid from funds appropriated by the Congress, if at the time of voting he is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(h) Any qualified elector who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person who expects to be or is outside the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia because his duties, occupation or business require him to be elsewhere during the entire period the polls are open for voting on the day of any primary or election or who is a spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a person who is a civilian employee of the United States outside the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia, whether or not such person is subject to civil-service laws and the Classification Act of 1949 and whether or not paid from funds appropriated by the Congress, if at the time of voting such spouse or dependent is absent from the municipality of his residence: Provided, however, That the said elector has been registered or enrolled according to law or is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting; or
(i) Any qualified war veteran elector who is bedridden or hospitalized due to illness or physical disability if he is absent from the municipality of his residence and unable to attend his polling place because of such illness or physical disability regardless of whether he is registered and enrolled; or
(j) Any qualified registered and enrolled elector who expects to be or is absent from the municipality of his residence because his duties, occupation or business require him to be elsewhere during the entire period the polls are open for voting on the day of any primary or election; or
(k) Any qualified registered and enrolled elector who because of illness or physical disability is unable to attend his polling place or operate a voting machine and secure assistance by distinct and audible statement as required in section 1218 of this act;
(l) Any qualified registered and enrolled elector who is a spouse or dependent accompanying a person employed in the service of this Commonwealth or in the service of the Federal Government within the territorial limits of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia in the event the duties, profession or occupation of such person require him to be absent from the municipality of his residence; or
(m) Any qualified elector who is a county employe who cannot vote due to duties on election day relating to the conduct of the election; or
(n) Any qualified elector who will not attend a polling place because of the observance of a religious holiday:
Provided, however, That the words "qualified absentee elector" shall in nowise be construed to include persons confined in a penal institution or a mental institution nor shall it in anywise be construed to include a person not otherwise qualified as a qualified elector in accordance with the definition set forth in section 102(t) of this act.
(1301 amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
Section 1302. Applications for Official Absentee Ballots.--(a) Any qualified elector defined in preceding section 1301, subsections (a) to (h), inclusive, may apply at any time before any primary or election for any official absentee ballot in person, on any form supplied by the Federal Government, or on any official county board of election form addressed to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the county board of election of the county in which his voting residence is located.
(b) An application for a qualified elector under subsection (a) shall contain the following information: Home residence at the time of entrance into actual military service or Federal employment, length of time a citizen, length of residence in Pennsylvania, date of birth, length of time a resident of voting district, voting district if known, party choice in case of primary, name and, for a military elector, his stateside military address, FPO or APO number and serial number. Any elector other than a military elector shall in addition specify the nature of his employment, the address to which ballot is to be sent, relationship where necessary, and such other information as may be determined and prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. When such application is received by the Secretary of the Commonwealth it shall be forwarded to the proper county board of election. ((b) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(b.1) An application for a qualified elector other than under subsection (a) shall contain the following information: Date of birth, length of time a resident of voting district, voting district if known, party choice in case of primary and name. The elector shall in addition specify the nature of his or her employment, the address to which ballot is to be sent, relationship where necessary, and other information as may be determined and prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. When the application is received by the Secretary of the Commonwealth it shall be forwarded to the proper county board of election. ((b.1) added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(c) A qualified absentee military or overseas elector, as defined by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (Public Law 99-410, 100 Stat. 924), may submit his application for an official absentee ballot by electronic transmission method. The electronic transmission method shall not be acceptable for the official absentee ballot. As used in this subsection, "electronic transmission method" means any technology that can transmit a document or an image of a document via electronic or electromechanical means, including, but not limited to, facsimile method. An elector entitled to submit an application for an official absentee ballot under a method authorized under 25 Pa.C.S. Ch. 35 (relating to uniform military and overseas voters) may submit an application using a method authorized under 25 Pa.C.S. Ch. 35, in addition to the methods authorized in this article. ((c) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(d) The application of any qualified elector, as defined in preceding section 1301, subsections (a) to (h), inclusive, for an official absentee ballot in any primary or election shall be signed by the applicant, except that for electors under section 1301(a), an adult member of the applicant's immediate family may sign the application on the elector's behalf. ((d) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(e) Any qualified bedridden or hospitalized veteran absent from the municipality of his residence and unable to attend his polling place because of such illness or physical disability, regardless of whether he is registered or enrolled, may apply at any time before any primary or election for an official absentee ballot on any official county board of election form addressed to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the county board of elections of the county in which his voting residence is located.
The application shall contain the following information: Residence at the time of becoming bedridden or hospitalized, length of time a citizen, length of residence in Pennsylvania, date of birth, length of time a resident in voting district, voting district if known, party choice in case of primary, name and address of present residence or hospital at which hospitalized. When such application is received by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, it shall be forwarded to the proper county board of elections.
The application for an official absentee ballot for any primary or election shall be made on information supplied over the signature of the bedridden or hospitalized veteran as required in the preceding subsection. Any qualified registered elector, including a spouse or dependent referred to in subsection (l) of section 1301, who expects to be or is absent from the municipality of his residence because his duties, occupation or business require him to be elsewhere on the day of any primary or election and any qualified registered elector who is unable to attend his polling place on the day of any primary or election because of illness or physical disability and any qualified registered bedridden or hospitalized veteran in the county of residence, or in the case of a county employe who cannot vote due to duties on election day relating to the conduct of the election, or in the case of a person who will not attend a polling place because of the observance of a religious holiday, may apply to the county board of elections of the county in which his voting residence is located for an Official Absentee Ballot. Such application shall be made upon an official application form supplied by the county board of elections. Such official application form shall be determined and prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(1) The application of any qualified registered elector, including spouse or dependent referred to in subsection (l) of section 1301, who expects to be or is absent from the municipality of his residence because his duties, occupation or business require him to be elsewhere on the day of any primary or election, or in the case of a county employe who cannot vote due to duties on election day relating to the conduct of the election, or in the case of a person who will not attend a polling place because of the observance of a religious holiday, shall be signed by the applicant and shall include the surname and given name or names of the applicant, proof of identification, his occupation, date of birth, length of time a resident in voting district, voting district if known, place of residence, post office address to which ballot is to be mailed, the reason for his absence, and such other information as shall make clear to the county board of elections the applicant's right to an official absentee ballot.
(2) The application of any qualified registered elector who is unable to attend his polling place on the day of any primary or election because of illness or physical disability and the application of any qualified registered bedridden or hospitalized veteran in the county of residence shall be signed by the applicant and shall include surname and given name or names of the applicant, proof of identification, his occupation, date of birth, residence at the time of becoming bedridden or hospitalized, length of time a resident in voting district, voting district if known, place of residence, post office address to which ballot is to be mailed, and such other information as shall make clear to the county board of elections the applicant's right to an official ballot. In addition, the application of such electors shall include a declaration stating the nature of their disability or illness, and the name, office address and office telephone number of their attending physician: Provided, however, That in the event any elector entitled to an absentee ballot under this subsection be unable to sign his application because of illness or physical disability, he shall be excused from signing upon making a statement which shall be witnessed by one adult person in substantially the following form: I hereby state that I am unable to sign my application for an absentee ballot without assistance because I am unable to write by reason of my illness or physical disability. I have made or have received assistance in making my mark in lieu of my signature.
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((e) amended Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(e.1) Any qualified registered elector who is unable because of illness or physical disability to attend his polling place on the day of any primary or election or operate a voting machine and state distinctly and audibly that he is unable to do so as required by section 1218 of this act may at any time request, with the certification by his attending physician that he is permanently disabled and physically unable to attend the polls or operate a voting machine and make the distinct and audible statement required by section 1218 appended to the application hereinbefore required, to be placed on a permanently disabled absentee ballot list file. An absentee ballot application shall be mailed to every such person otherwise eligible to receive one, by the first Monday in February each year, or within forty-eight hours of receipt of the request, whichever is later, so long as he does not lose his voting rights by failure to vote as otherwise required by this act. Such person shall not be required to file a physician's certificate of disability with each application as required in subsection (e) of this section. Should any such person lose his disability he shall inform the county board of elections of the county of his residence. An absentee ballot application mailed to an elector under this section, which is completed and timely returned by the elector, shall serve as an application for any and all primary, general or special elections to be held in the remainder of that calendar year and for all special elections to be held before the third Monday in February of the succeeding year. The transfer of a qualified registered elector on a permanently disabled absentee ballot list from one county to another county shall only be permitted upon the request of the qualified registered elector. ((e.1) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(e.2) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this act any qualified elector who expects to be or is absent from the municipality of his residence because his duties, occupation or business require him to be elsewhere on the day of any election or a county employe who cannot vote due to duties on election day relating to the conduct of the election or a person who will not attend a polling place because of the observance of a religious holiday may make an application for an absentee ballot by mail by sending a letter to the county board of elections in the county in which his voting residence is located. The letter shall be signed by the applicant and contain his name, place of residence and proof of identification. ((e.2) amended Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(f) The county chairman of each political party or the head of each political body shall designate one representative from his respective political party or body for each public institution. The representatives so appointed shall, at the same time on a date fixed by the county board of election visit every public institution situate in the county for the purpose of obtaining the names and addresses of public institution residents who desire to receive applications for absentee ballots and to act as an election board as provided in subsection (g) of this section. The list of names and addresses thus obtained shall then be submitted by said representatives to the board which shall furnish applications individually to those appearing in the written request. If the chairman or head of a political party or body fails to appoint a representative within fifteen days from written notice from the county board of election, the county board of election shall appoint a representative from the political party or body.
(g) The county board of election shall appoint teams of three members for each public institution that shall go to the public institutions and hold the election on the first Friday prior to election day. Each member of the board shall appoint one member on every team. After the votes are cast, the teams shall collect the ballots and return them to the county board of election where they shall be placed unopened in a secure, safe and sealed container in the custody of the board until they shall be distributed to the respective absentee voters' election district as provided in section 1308 of this act where they shall be counted with the other absentee ballots, if any.
(h) The county board of election shall number, in chronological order, the applications for an official absentee ballot, which number shall likewise appear on the official absentee ballot for the qualified elector. The numbers shall appear legibly and in a conspicuous place but before the ballots are distributed the number on the ballot shall be torn off by the county board of election. This number information shall be appropriately inserted and become a part of the Registered Absentee Voters File and the Military, Veterans and Emergency Civilian Absentee Voters File provided in section 1302.3 of this act.
(i) (1) Application for official absentee ballots shall be on physical and electronic forms prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The application shall state that an elector who applies for an absentee ballot pursuant to section 1301 shall not be eligible to vote at a polling place on election day unless the elector brings the elector's absentee ballot to the elector's polling place, remits the ballot and the envelope containing the declaration of the elector to the judge of elections to be spoiled and signs a statement subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities) to the same effect. Such physical application forms shall be made freely available to the public at county board of elections, municipal buildings and at such other locations designated by the secretary. Such electronic application forms shall be made freely available to the public through publicly accessible means. No written application or personal request shall be necessary to receive or access the application forms. Copies and records of all completed physical and electronic applications for official absentee ballots shall be retained by the county board of elections. ((1) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(2) Nothing in this act shall prohibit a private organization or individual from printing blank voter applications for absentee ballots or shall prohibit the use of such applications by another individual, provided the form, content and paper quality have been approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
((i) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(j) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section requiring proof of identification, a qualified absentee elector shall not be required to provide proof of identification if the elector is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (Public Law 99-410, 100 Stat. 924) or by an alternative ballot under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (Public Law 98-435, 98 Stat. 1678). ((j) added Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
(k) The Secretary of the Commonwealth may develop an electronic system through which all qualified electors may apply for an absentee ballot and request permanent absentee voter status under subsection (e.1), provided the system is able to capture a digitized or electronic signature of the applicant. A county board of elections shall treat any application or request received through the electronic system as if the application or request had been submitted on a paper form or any other format used by the county. ((k) added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(1302 amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
Compiler's Note: See sections 10 and 11 of Act 18 of 2012 in the appendix to this act for special provisions relating to application of law.
Section 1302.1. Date of Application for Absentee Ballot.--(a) Except as provided in subsection (a.3), applications for absentee ballots shall be received in the office of the county board of elections not earlier than fifty (50) days before the primary or election, except that if a county board of elections determines that it would be appropriate to its operational needs, any applications for absentee ballots received more than fifty (50) days before the primary or election may be processed before that time. Applications for absentee ballots shall be processed if received not later than five o'clock P.M. of the first Tuesday prior to the day of any primary or election.
(a.1) ((a.1) deleted by amendment)
(a.2) ((a.2) deleted by amendment)
(a.3) (1) The following categories of electors may apply for an absentee ballot under this subsection, if otherwise qualified:
(i) An elector whose physical disability or illness prevented the elector from applying for an absentee ballot before five o'clock P.M. on the first Tuesday prior to the day of the primary or election.
(ii) An elector who, because of the elector's business, duties or occupation, was unable to apply for an absentee ballot before five o'clock P.M. on the first Tuesday prior to the day of the primary or election.
(iii) An elector who becomes so physically disabled or ill after five o'clock P.M. on the first Tuesday prior to the day of the primary or election that the elector is unable to appear at the polling place on the day of the primary or election.
(iv) An elector who, because of the conduct of the elector's business, duties or occupation, will necessarily be absent from the elector's municipality of residence on the day of the primary or election, which fact was not and could not reasonably be known to the elector on or before five o'clock P.M. on the first Tuesday prior to the day of the primary or election.
(2) An elector described in paragraph (1) may submit an application for an absentee ballot at any time up until the time of the closing of the polls on the day of the primary or election. The application shall include a declaration describing the circumstances that prevented the elector from applying for an absentee ballot before five o'clock P.M. on the first Tuesday prior to the day of the primary or election or that prevent the elector from appearing at the polling place on the day of the primary or election, and the elector's qualifications under paragraph (1). The declaration shall be made subject to the provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities).
(3) If the county board of elections determines that the elector meets the requirements of this section, the board shall issue an absentee ballot to the elector.
(4) If the elector is unable to appear at the office of the county board of elections to receive the ballot, the board shall give the elector's absentee ballot to an authorized representative of the elector who is designated in writing by the elector. The authorized representative shall deliver the absentee ballot to the elector and return the completed absentee ballot, sealed in the official absentee ballot envelopes, to the office of the county board of elections, which shall retain the ballot, unopened, until the canvassing of all absentee ballots.
(5) Multiple people qualified under this subsection may designate the same person, and a single person may serve as the authorized representative for multiple qualified electors.
(6) If the elector is unable to appear at the office of the county board of elections or unable to obtain assistance from an authorized representative, the county board may provide an authorized representative or ask the judge of the court of common pleas in the county in which the elector is qualified to vote to direct a deputy sheriff of the county to deliver the absentee ballot to the elector if the elector is at a physical location within the county and return the completed absentee ballot, sealed in the official absentee ballot envelopes, to the county board of elections. If there is no authorized representative and a deputy sheriff is unavailable to deliver an absentee ballot under this section, the judge may direct a constable to make such delivery in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(7) In the case of an elector who requires assistance in marking the elector's ballot, the elector shall designate in writing the person who will assist in marking the ballot. Such person shall be otherwise eligible to provide assistance to electors eligible for assistance, and such person shall declare in writing that assistance was rendered. Any person other than the designee who shall render assistance in marking a ballot or any person rendering assistance who shall fail to execute a declaration shall be guilty of a violation of this act.
(8) No absentee ballot under this subsection shall be counted which is received in the office of the county board of elections later than the deadline for its receipt as provided in section 1308(g).
(b) In the case of an elector whose application for an absentee ballot is received by the office of the county board of elections earlier than fifty (50) days before the primary or election, the application shall be held and processed upon commencement of the fifty-day period or at such earlier time as the county board of elections determines may be appropriate.
(c) ((c) deleted by amendment)
(d) ((d) deleted by amendment)
(1302.1 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Compiler's Note: Section 5 of Act 137 of 2006, which amended section 1302.1, provided that the amendment shall apply to elections held on or after January 1, 2007.
Section 1302.2. Approval of Application for Absentee Ballot.--
(a) The county board of elections, upon receipt of any application filed by a qualified elector not required to be registered under preceding section 1301, shall ascertain from the information on such application, district register or from any other source that such applicant possesses all the qualifications of a qualified elector other than being registered or enrolled. If the board is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to receive an official absentee ballot, the application shall be marked approved such approval decision shall be final and binding except that challenges may be made only on the ground that the applicant did not possess qualifications of an absentee elector. Such challenges must be made to the county board of elections prior to the applicable deadline for the absentee ballots to be received, as provided in section 1308(g). When so approved, the county board of elections shall cause the applicant's name and residence (and at a primary, the party enrollment) to be inserted in the Military, Veterans and Emergency Civilians Absentee Voters File as provided in section 1302.3, subsection (b): Providing, however, That no application of any qualified elector in military service shall be rejected for failure to include on the elector's application any information if such information may be within a reasonable time by the county board of elections.
(b) The county board of elections, upon receipt of any application filed by a qualified elector who is entitled, under the provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting as provided under preceding section 1301, shall ascertain from the information on such application or from any other source that such applicant possesses all the qualifications of a qualified elector. If the board is satisfied that the applicant is entitled, under the provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting and that the applicant is qualified to receive an official absentee ballot, the application shall be marked "approved." Such approval decision shall be final and binding except that challenges may be made only on the ground that the applicant did not possess the qualifications of an absentee elector prior to or concurrently with the time of voting. Such challenges must be made to the county board of elections prior to the applicable deadline for the absentee ballots to be received, as provided in section 1308(g). When so approved, the county board of elections shall cause the applicant's name and residence (and at a primary, the party enrollment) to be inserted in the Military, Veterans and Emergency Civilian Absentee Voters File as provided in section 1302.3 subsection (b).
(c) The county board of elections, upon receipt of any application of a qualified elector required to be registered under the provisions of preceding section 1301, shall determine the qualifications of such applicant by verifying the proof of identification and comparing the information set forth on such application with the information contained on the applicant's permanent registration card. If the board is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to receive an official absentee ballot, the application shall be marked "approved." Such approval decision shall be final and binding, except that challenges may be made only on the ground that the applicant was not a qualified elector. Such challenges must be made to the county board of elections prior to five o'clock p.m. on the Friday prior to the election: Provided, however, That a challenge to an application for an absentee ballot shall not be permitted on the grounds that the elector used an application for an absentee ballot instead of an application for a mail-in ballot or on the grounds that the elector used an application for a mail-in ballot instead of an application for an absentee ballot. ((c) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(d) In the event that any application for an official absentee ballot is not approved by the county board of elections, the elector shall be notified immediately to that effect with a statement by the county board of the reasons for the disapproval. For those applicants whose proof of identification was not provided with the application or could not be verified by the board, the board shall send notice to the elector with the absentee ballot requiring the elector to provide proof of identification with the absentee ballot or the ballot will not be counted.
(e) ((e) deleted by amendment Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a qualified absentee elector shall not be required to provide proof of identification if the elector is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (Public Law 99-410, 100 Stat. 924) or by an alternative ballot under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (Public Law 98-435, 98 Stat. 1678).
(1302.2 amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
Compiler's Note: See sections 10 and 11 of Act 18 of 2012 in the appendix to this act for special provisions relating to application of law.
Section 1302.3. Absentee and Mail-in Electors Files and Lists (Hdg. amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.550, No.77).--(a) ((a) deleted by amendment Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(b) The county board of elections shall post in a conspicuous public place at its office a master list arranged in alphabetical order by election districts setting forth the name and residence, and at primaries, the party enrollment, of (1) every military elector to whom an absentee ballot is being sent, each such name to be prefixed with an "M"; (2) every bedridden or hospitalized veteran outside the county of his residence who is not registered and to whom an absentee ballot is being sent, each such name to be prefixed with a "V"; and (3) every registered elector who has filed his application for an absentee ballot too late for the extraction of his original registration card and to whom a ballot is being sent and every qualified elector who has filed his application for an absentee ballot and is entitled, under provisions of the Permanent Registration Law as now or hereinafter enacted by the General Assembly, to absentee registration prior to or concurrently with the time of voting, each such name to be prefixed with a "C." This list shall be known as the Military, Veterans and Emergency Civilians Absentee Voters File for the Primary or Election of (date of primary or election) and shall be posted for a period commencing the Tuesday prior to the day of the primary or election until the day following the primary or election or the day on which the county board of elections certifies the returns of the primary or election, whichever date is later. Such file shall be open to public inspection at all times subject to reasonable safeguards, rules and regulations. This posted list shall not contain any military address or references to any military organization. Upon written request, the county board shall furnish a copy of such list to any candidate or party county chairman.
(c) Not less than five days preceding the election, the chief clerk shall prepare a list for each election district showing the names and post office addresses of all voting residents thereof to whom official absentee or mail-in ballots shall have been issued. Each such list shall be prepared in duplicate, shall be headed "Persons in (give identity of election district) to whom absentee or mail-in ballots have been issued for the election of (date of election)," and shall be signed by him not less than four days preceding the election. He shall post the original of each such list in a conspicuous place in the office of the county election board and see that it is kept so posted until the close of the polls on election day. He shall cause the duplicate of each such list to be delivered to the judge of election in the election district in the same manner and at the same time as are provided in this act for the delivery of other election supplies, and it shall be the duty of such judge of election to post such duplicate list in a conspicuous place within the polling place of his district and see that it is kept so posted throughout the time that the polls are open. Upon written request, he shall furnish a copy of such list to any candidate or party county chairman. ((c) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(1302.3 amended Dec. 11, 1968, P.L.1183, No.375)
Section 1303. Official Absentee Voters Ballots.--(a) In districts in which ballots are used, the ballots for use by such absentee electors under the provisions of this act shall be the official ballots printed in accordance with sections 1002 and 1003: Provided, however, That the county board of elections when preparing the official ballots for absentee electors shall be required to track the name of the applicant to which a ballot is being sent. The county board of elections shall also be required to print, stamp or endorse upon such official ballots the words, Official Absentee Ballot. Such ballots shall be distributed by such boards as hereinafter provided. ((a) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(b) In districts in which voting machines are used and in those districts in which paper ballots are used and the county board of elections therein do not print official absentee ballots in accordance with sections 1002 and 1003, the ballots for use by such absentee electors under the provisions of this act shall be prepared sufficiently in advance by the county board of elections and shall be distributed by such boards as hereinafter provided. Such ballots shall be marked Official Absentee Ballot but shall not be numbered and shall otherwise be in substantially the form for ballots required by article ten of this act, which form shall be determined and prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
(c) In districts in which electronic voting systems are utilized, the absentee ballot may be in the form of a ballot card which shall be clearly stamped on its face "Absentee Ballot."
(d) In cases where there is not time to print on said ballots the names of the various candidates, the county board of elections shall print special write-in absentee ballots which shall be in substantially the form of other official absentee ballots except that such special write-in absentee ballots shall contain blank spaces only under the titles of such offices in which electors may insert, by writing or stamping, the names of the candidates for whom they desire to vote, and in such cases the county board of elections shall furnish to electors lists containing the names of all the candidates named in nomination petitions or who have been regularly nominated under the provisions of this act, for the use of such electors in preparing their ballots. Special write-in absentee ballots also shall include all constitutional amendments and other questions to be voted on by the electors. ((d) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(e) The official absentee voter ballot shall state that an elector who receives an absentee ballot pursuant to section 1301 and whose voted ballot is not timely received by the commission and who, on election day, is capable of voting at the appropriate polling place may only vote on election day by provisional ballot unless the elector brings the elector's absentee ballot to the elector's polling place, remits the ballot and the envelope containing the declaration of the elector to the judge of elections to be spoiled and signs a statement subject to the penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities) to the same effect. ((e) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(1303 amended July 11, 1980, P.L.600, No.128)
Section 1304. Envelopes for Official Absentee Ballots.--
The county boards of election shall provide two additional envelopes for each official absentee ballot of such size and shape as shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, in order to permit the placing of one within the other and both within the mailing envelope. On the smaller of the two envelopes to be enclosed in the mailing envelope shall be printed, stamped or endorsed the words "Official Election Ballot," and nothing else. On the larger of the two envelopes, to be enclosed within the mailing envelope, shall be printed the form of the declaration of the elector, and the name and address of the county board of election of the proper county. The larger envelope shall also contain information indicating the local election district of the absentee voter. Said form of declaration and envelope shall be as prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and shall contain among other things a statement of the electors qualifications, together with a statement that such elector has not already voted in such primary or election. The mailing envelope addressed to the elector shall contain the two envelopes, the official absentee ballot, lists of candidates, when authorized by section 1303 subsection (b) of this act, the uniform instructions in form and substance as prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and nothing else.
(1304 amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
Section 1305. Delivering or Mailing Ballots.--
(a) The county board of elections upon receipt and approval of an application filed by any elector qualified in accordance with the provisions of section 1301, subsections (a) to (h), inclusive, shall not later than fifty days prior to the day of the primary or not later than seventy days prior to the day of the election commence to deliver or mail to such elector who has included with said application a statement that he or she is unable to vote during the regular absentee balloting period by reason of living or performing military service in an extremely remote or isolated area of the world, and not later than forty-five days prior to the day of the primary or election commence to deliver or mail to all other such electors as provided for in section 1301, subsections (a) to (h), inclusive, official absentee ballots or special write-in absentee ballots as prescribed by subsection (d) of section 1303 when official absentee ballots are not yet printed; as additional applications of such electors are received, the board shall deliver or mail official absentee ballots or special write-in absentee ballots when official absentee ballots are not yet printed to such additional electors within forty-eight hours after approval of their application. If the calling of a special election would make it impossible to comply with the forty-five day delivery or mailing requirement of this section, then the county board of elections shall mail absentee ballots or special write-in absentee ballots within five days of the county board's receipt of the information necessary to prepare said ballots.
(b) (1) The county board of elections upon receipt and approval of an application filed by any elector qualified in accordance with the provisions of section 1301, subsections (i) to (l), inclusive, shall commence to deliver or mail official absentee ballots as soon as a ballot is certified and the ballots are available. While any proceeding is pending in a Federal or State court which would affect the contents of any ballot, the county board of elections may await a resolution of that proceeding but in any event, shall commence to deliver or mail official absentee ballots not later than the second Tuesday prior to the primary or election. For those applicants whose proof of identification was not provided with the application or could not be verified by the board, the board shall send the notice required under section 1302.2(d) with the absentee ballot. As additional applications are received and approved after the time that the county board of elections begins delivering or mailing official absentee and mail-in ballots, the board shall deliver or mail official absentee ballots to such additional electors within forty-eight hours.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this act and notwithstanding the inclusion of a mailing address on an absentee or mail-in ballot application, a voter who presents the voter's own application for an absentee or mail-in ballot within the office of the county board of elections during regular business hours may request to receive the voter's absentee or mail-in ballot while the voter is at the office. This request may be made orally or in writing. Upon presentation of the application and the making of the request and upon approval under sections 1302.2 and 1302.2-D, the county board of elections shall promptly present the voter with the voter's absentee or mail-in ballot. If a voter presents the voter's application within the county board of elections' office in accordance with this section, a county board of elections may not deny the voter's request to have the ballot presented to the voter while the voter is at the office unless there is a bona fide objection to the absentee or mail-in ballot application.
((b) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a qualified absentee elector shall not be required to provide proof of identification if the elector is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (Public Law 99-410, 100 Stat. 924) or by an alternative ballot under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (Public Law 98-435, 98 Stat. 1678).
(1305 amended Mar. 14, 2012, P.L.195, No.18)
Compiler's Note: See sections 10 and 11 of Act 18 of 2012 in the appendix to this act for special provisions relating to application of law.
Section 1305.1. Notice to County Board of Elections.--(a) At least fifty days prior to a primary, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall transmit to the county board of elections a list of candidates who have filed a nominating petition with him and who are not known to have withdrawn or been disqualified, conforming, to the extent possible, with the requirements of section 916.
(b) At least seventy days prior to an election, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall transmit to the county board of elections a list, as he knows it to exist at that time, of candidates to be voted on in the county at the election, as well as a copy of all constitutional amendments and other questions to be voted on at such election, together with a statement of the form in which they are to be placed on the ballot, conforming to the extent possible with the requirements of section 984.
(1305.1 added Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.681, No.169)
Section 1306. Voting by Absentee Electors.--(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), at any time after receiving an official absentee ballot, but on or before eight o'clock P.M. the day of the primary or election, the elector shall, in secret, proceed to mark the ballot only in black lead pencil, indelible pencil or blue, black or blue-black ink, in fountain pen or ball point pen, and then fold the ballot, enclose and securely seal the same in the envelope on which is printed, stamped or endorsed "Official Election Ballot." This envelope shall then be placed in the second one, on which is printed the form of declaration of the elector, and the address of the elector's county board of election and the local election district of the elector. The elector shall then fill out, date and sign the declaration printed on such envelope. Such envelope shall then be securely sealed and the elector shall send same by mail, postage prepaid, except where franked, or deliver it in person to said county board of election. ((a) intro. par. amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(1) ((1) deleted by amendment Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(2) Any elector, spouse of the elector or dependent of the elector, qualified in accordance with the provisions of section 1301, subsections (e), (f), (g) and (h) to vote by absentee ballot as herein provided, shall be required to include on the form of declaration a supporting declaration in form prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, to be signed by the head of the department or chief of division or bureau in which the elector is employed, setting forth the identity of the elector, spouse of the elector or dependent of the elector.
(3) Any elector who has filed his application in accordance with section 1302 subsection (e)(2), and is unable to sign his declaration because of illness or physical disability, shall be excused from signing upon making a declaration which shall be witnessed by one adult person in substantially the following form: I hereby declare that I am unable to sign my declaration for voting my absentee ballot without assistance because I am unable to write by reason of my illness or physical disability. I have made or received assistance in making my mark in lieu of my signature.
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(Signature of Witness) |
((a) amended Nov. 9, 2006, P.L.1330, No.137)
(b) (1) Any elector who receives and votes an absentee ballot pursuant to section 1301 shall not be eligible to vote at a polling place on election day. The district register at each polling place shall clearly identify electors who have received and voted absentee ballots as ineligible to vote at the polling place, and district election officers shall not permit electors who voted an absentee ballot to vote at the polling place.
(2) An elector who requests an absentee ballot and who is not shown on the district register as having voted the ballot may vote by provisional ballot under section 1210(a.4)(1).
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), an elector who requests an absentee ballot and who is not shown on the district register as having voted the ballot may vote at the polling place if the elector remits the ballot and the envelope containing the declaration of the elector to the judge of elections to be spoiled and the elector signs a statement subject to the penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities) in substantially the following form:
I hereby declare that I am a qualified registered elector who has obtained an absentee ballot or mail-in ballot. I further declare that I have not cast my absentee ballot or mail-in ballot, and that instead I remitted my absentee ballot or mail-in ballot and the envelope containing the declaration of the elector to the judge of elections at my polling place to be spoiled and therefore request that my absentee ballot or mail-in ballot be voided.
(Date)
(Local Judge of Elections)
((b) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(c) Except as provided under 25 Pa.C.S. § 3511 (relating to receipt of voted ballot), a completed absentee ballot must be received in the office of the county board of elections no later than eight o'clock P.M. on the day of the primary or election. ((c) added Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(1306 amended Feb. 13, 1998, P.L.72, No.18)
Compiler's Note: Section 5 of Act 137 of 2006, which amended subsection (a), provided that the amendment shall apply to elections held on or after January 1, 2007.
Section 1306.1. Assistance in Voting by Certain Absentee Electors.--
Any elector qualified to vote an official absentee ballot in accordance with the provisions of section 1301, subsection (k), may receive assistance in voting (1) if there is recorded on his registration card his declaration that he has a physical disability which renders him unable to see or mark the official absentee ballot, the exact nature of such disability being recorded on such registration card; (2) if such elector requiring assistance submits with his application for an official absentee ballot, a statement setting forth the precise nature of the disability which renders him unable to see or mark the official absentee ballot and that to the best of his knowledge and belief he will still suffer from the said physical disability at the time of voting his official absentee ballot. He shall acknowledge the same before an officer qualified to take acknowledgment of deeds. Such statement shall be in substantially the following form:
Statement of Absentee Elector Requiring Assistance
I, ............................................, hereby state
(Name of voter requiring assistance)
that I require assistance in marking the official absentee
ballot for the primary or election held ..................,
(Date)
19..., that will be issued to me for the following reason:
..........................................................
(Insert nature of disability)
...........................................
(Signature or mark of elector)
...................................
(Date of signature or mark)
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
ss
County of ..................:
On this..........day of.........., 19...., before me,
...................., the undersigned officer personally appeared......................., known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose signature or mark appears on the within instrument and acknowledged the same for the purposes therein contained.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal
.........................
(Title of Officer)
Upon receipt of the official absentee ballot, such elector requiring assistance may select a person to assist him in voting, such assistance to be rendered in secret: Provided, however, That the person rendering assistance may not be the elector's employer or an agent of the employer or an officer or agent of the elector's union. The person rendering the assistance in voting shall complete, date and sign the declaration in such form approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, or substantially in the form as set forth below, that the person has caused the elector's ballot to be marked in accordance with such elector's desires and instruction. Such declaration form shall be returned to the county board of elections in the mailing envelope addressed to the county board of elections within which the small "official absentee ballot" is returned.
Declaration of Person Rendering Assistance
I, ..........................................,
(Name of Person rendering assistance)
hereby declare that I have witnessed the aforesaid elector's signature or mark and that I have caused the aforesaid elector's ballot to be marked in accordance with the desires and instructions of the aforesaid elector.
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(Signature of Person Rendering Assistance)
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(Address)
(1306.1 amended Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1246, No.150)
Section 1307. Certain Electors Voting in Districts of Residence.--
(a) Whenever any qualified elector in actual military service is present in his voting district of residence on any primary, special, municipal or general election day and has not already voted in such election, he may apply in person at the office of the county board of election of the county of his residence and he shall then and there execute his application for an official absentee ballot.
(b) Each such application shall be in the form and shall contain the information required by this act together with a statement by the applicant that he has not already voted in the election.
The county board of elections shall ascertain from the information on such application or from any other source that such applicant possesses all the qualifications of a qualified elector other than being registered or enrolled. If the board is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to receive an official absentee ballot, the application shall be marked "Approved," subject to the limitations set out in section 1302.2 of this act. When so approved, the county board of elections shall cause the applicant's name and residence (and at primaries, the party enrollment) to be inserted in the "Military, Veterans and Emergency Civilian Absentee Voters File" as provided in section 1302.3 subsection (b). ((b) amended Dec. 11, 1968, P.L.1183, No.375)
(c) Upon receiving an official absentee ballot and envelopes therefor, he shall, in secret, in the office of the county board of elections vote the ballot and execute the declaration as prescribed by this act. The elector shall then securely seal the second envelope and hand it to the chief clerk of the county board of election who shall securely keep same in accordance with the provisions of section 1308.
(1307 amended Aug. 13, 1963, P.L.707, No.379)
Section 1308. Canvassing of Official Absentee Ballots and Mail-in Ballots (Hdg. amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77).--(a) The county boards of election, upon receipt of official absentee ballots in sealed official absentee ballot envelopes as provided under this article and mail-in ballots as in sealed official mail-in ballot envelopes as provided under Article XIII-D, shall safely keep the ballots in sealed or locked containers until they are to be canvassed by the county board of elections. An absentee ballot, whether issued to a civilian, military or other voter during the regular or emergency application period, shall be canvassed in accordance with subsection (g). A mail-in ballot shall be canvassed in accordance with subsection (g). ((a) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(b) Watchers shall be permitted to be present when the envelopes containing official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots are opened and when such ballots are counted and recorded. ((b) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(b.1) ((b.1) deleted by amendment Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(c) ((c) deleted by amendment Dec. 11, 1968, P.L.1183, No.375)
(d) Whenever it shall appear by due proof that any absentee elector or mail-in elector who has returned his ballot in accordance with the provisions of this act has died prior to the opening of the polls on the day of the primary or election, the ballot of such deceased elector shall be rejected by the canvassers but the counting of the ballot of an absentee elector or a mail-in elector thus deceased shall not of itself invalidate any nomination or election. ((d) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(e) ((e) deleted by amendment Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(f) Any person challenging an application for an absentee ballot, an absentee ballot, an application for a mail-in ballot or a mail-in ballot for any of the reasons provided in this act shall deposit the sum of ten dollars ($10.00) in cash with the county board, which sum shall only be refunded if the challenge is sustained or if the challenge is withdrawn within five (5) days after the primary or election. If the challenge is dismissed by any lawful order then the deposit shall be forfeited. The county board shall deposit all deposit money in the general fund of the county.
Notice of the requirements of subsection (b) of section 1306 shall be printed on the envelope for the absentee ballot or mail-in ballot.
((f) amended Oct. 31, 2019, P.L.552, No.77)
(g) (1) (i) An absentee ballot cast by any absentee elector as defined in section 1301(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) shall be canvassed in accordance with this subsection if the ballot is cast, submitted and received in accordance with the provisions of 25 Pa.C.S. Ch. 35 (relating to uniform military and overseas voters).
(ii) An absentee ballot cast by any absentee elector as defined in section 1301(i), (j), (k), (l), (m) and (n), an absentee ballot under section 1302(a.3) or a mail-in ballot cast by a mail-in elector shall be canvassed in accordance with this subsection if the absentee ballot or mail-in ballot is received in the office of the county board of elections no later than eight o'clock P.M. on the day of the primary or election.
(1.1) The county board of elections shall meet no earlier than seven o'clock A.M. on election day to pre-canvass all ballots received prior to the meeting. A county board of elections shall provide at least forty-eight hours' notice of a pre-canvass meeting by publicly posting a notice of a pre-canvass meeting on its publicly accessible Internet website. One authorized representative of each candidate in an election and one representative from each political party shall be permitted to remain in the room in which the absentee ballots and mail-in ballots are pre-canvassed. No person observing, attending or participating in a pre-canvass meeting may disclose the results of any portion of any pre-canvass meeting prior to the close of the polls.
(2) The county board of elections shall meet no earlier than the close of polls on the day of the election and no later than the third day following the election to begin canvassing absentee ballots and mail-in ballots not included in the pre-canvass meeting. The meeting under this paragraph shall continue until all absentee ballots and mail-in ballots received prior to the close of the polls have been canvassed. The county board of elections shall not record or publish any votes reflected on the ballots prior to the close of the polls. The canvass process shall continue through the eighth day following the election for valid military-overseas ballots timely received under 25 Pa.C.S. § 3511 (relating to receipt of voted ballot). A county board of elections shall provide at least forty-eight hours' notice of a canvass meeting by publicly posting a notice on its publicly accessible Internet website. One authorized representative of each candidate in an election and one representative from each political party shall be permitted to remain in the room in which the absentee ballots and mail-in ballots are canvassed.
(3) When the county board meets to pre-canvass or canvass absentee ballots and mail-in ballots under paragraphs (1), (1.1) and (2), the board shall examine the declaration on the envelope of each ballot not set aside under subsection (d) and shall compare the information thereon with that contained in the "Registered Absentee and Mail-in Voters File," the absentee voters' list and/or the "Military Veterans and Emergency Civilians Absentee Voters File," whichever is applicable. If the county board has verified the proof of identification as required under this act and is satisfied that the declaration is sufficient and the information contained in the "Registered Absentee and Mail-in Voters File," the absentee voters' list and/or the "Military Veterans and Emergency Civilians Absentee Voters File" verifies his right to vote, the county board shall provide a list of the names of electors whose absentee ballots or mail-in ballots are to be pre-canvassed or canvassed.
(4) All absentee ballots which have not been challenged under section 1302.2(c) and all mail-in ballots which have not been challenged under section 1302.2-D(a)(2) and that have been verified under paragraph (3) shall be counted and included with the returns of the applicable election district as follows:
(i) The county board shall open the envelope of every unchallenged absentee elector and mail-in elector in such manner as not to destroy the declaration executed thereon.
(ii) If any of the envelopes on which are printed, stamped or endorsed the words "Official Election Ballot" contain any text, mark or symbol which reveals the identity of the elector, the elector's political affiliation or the elector's candidate preference, the envelopes and the ballots contained therein shall be set aside and declared void.
(iii) The county board shall then break the seals of such envelopes, remove the ballots and count, compute and tally the votes.
(iv) Following the close of the polls, the county board shall record and publish the votes reflected on the ballots.
(5) Ballots received whose applications have been challenged and ballots which have been challenged shall be placed unopened in a secure, safe and sealed container in the custody of the county board until it shall fix a time and place for a formal hearing of all such challenges, and notice shall be given where possible to all absentee electors and mail-in electors thus challenged and to every individual who made a challenge. The time for the hearing shall not be later than seven (7) days after the deadline for all challenges to be filed. On the day fixed for said hearing, the county board shall proceed without delay to hear said challenges, and, in hearing the testimony, the county board shall not be bound by the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence. The testimony presented shall be stenographically recorded and made part of the record of the hearing.
(6) The decision of the county board in upholding or dismissing any challenge may be reviewed by the court of common pleas of the county upon a petition filed by any person aggrieved by the decision of the county board. The appeal shall be taken, within two (2) days after the decision was made, whether the decision was reduced to writing or not, to the court of common pleas setting forth the objections to the county board's decision and praying for an order reversing the decision.
(7) Pending the final determination of all appeals, the county board shall suspend any action in canvassing and computing all challenged ballots received under this subsection irrespective of whether or not appeal was taken from the county board's decision. Upon completion of the computation of the returns of the county, the votes cast upon the challenged official absentee ballots that have been finally determined to be valid shall be added to the other votes cast within the county.
((g) amended Mar. 27, 2020, P.L.41, No.12)
(h) For those absentee ballots or mail-in ballots for which proof of identification has not been received or could not be verified:
(1) ((1) deleted by amendment)
(2) If the proof of identification is received and verified prior to the sixth calendar day following the election, then the county board of elections shall canvass the absentee ballots and mail-in ballots under this subsection in accordance with subsection (g)(2).
(3) If an elector fails to provide proof of identification that can be verified by the county board of elections by the sixth calendar day following the election, then the absentee