Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 28, 2022 12:25 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Doug Mastriano |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Strengthening Enforcement of Election Laws |
| I will be introducing legislation that strengthens enforcement and adherence to election laws to ensure secure and accurate elections in the future. First, my bill will establish the Office of Election Crimes and Security within the Department of State. This office will be directed to investigate all election crimes, credible accusations of election crimes, and sworn affidavits alleging election violations. The office is particularly needed after the PA Attorney General’s office and regional U.S Attorneys chose to ignore documented violations during the 2020 election. My bill will also increase the current penalty for illegal ballot harvesting from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony for those individuals who knowingly collect and turn in multiple ballots on behalf of other voters. Additionally, my bill will state that the Office of the Auditor General must conduct an annual comprehensive statewide audit of ballot chain of custody protocols, the SURE voter registration system, poll books, and all voting machines used for the administration of an election. The findings of the audit shall be issued in a report to the General Assembly. Lastly, my bill will make it clear than any changes to our election laws via a court settlement will require the approval of the General Assembly. Further, the Secretary of State will be prohibited from entering into a consent decree with any court regarding election procedures without first obtaining approval of the General Assembly. Please consider joining me as a co-sponsor. |