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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 7, 2024 05:28 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tim Brennan and Rep. Mary Jo Daley |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Firearms at Polling Places |
| In Pennsylvania, lawfully carried firearms are permitted inside and adjacent to polling places, unless such locations are buildings in which firearms are already prohibited, such as courthouses and schools. Over the years, we have heard more and more about voters and election workers being threatened, harassed, or intimidated at polling places. As a result, many voters have expressed concerns about voting in person at their assigned polling location, and many voting districts have struggled to find or retain volunteers to work at such locations. To address concerns that have been raised by many about safety at the polls, we will be introducing legislation to join the following 11 states in prohibiting the carrying of firearms at all polling places: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas. The prohibition would not apply to law enforcement officers and military personnel who are on duty while at polling locations. It would also allow those licensed to carry a firearm to keep the firearm in their vehicle while voting; the prohibition would only apply to the building in which votes are cast. We wholeheartedly believe that everyone deserves to feel safe when they take part in elections, and invite you to join us in support of this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB2077