PRINTER'S NO. 3020
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
638
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY CRUZ AND YOUNGBLOOD, DECEMBER 16, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LIQUOR CONTROL, DECEMBER 16, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Urging municipalities throughout this Commonwealth to enact
ordinances prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Election Day.
WHEREAS, Under existing State law, the sale of alcohol is
determined at the local level by municipalities; and
WHEREAS, A moderate amount of alcohol consumption may lead to
impaired cognitive function that can result in poor decision
making; and
WHEREAS, A small amount of alcohol consumption may lead to an
increase in alcohol-seeking behavior whereby an individual will
prioritize consuming greater amounts of alcohol; and
WHEREAS, Elections should function as a fundamental
contribution to democratic governance, reinforce the stability
and legitimacy of a political community and confirm the worth
and dignity of individual citizens; and
WHEREAS, The American people recognize the importance of
voting in our democracy; and
WHEREAS, In a 2018 Pew Research Center survey, 74% of
respondents ranked election participation as a very important
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determinant of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Unnecessary barriers prevent would-be voters from
casting their ballots; and
WHEREAS, In the effort of increasing voter participation,
governments have a number of tools available, including closing
businesses that primarily serve alcohol so that employees and
patrons are free of obstacles to vote; and
WHEREAS, When individuals are able to exercise their power as
voters, they can elect Federal, State and local leaders who are
responsive to and reflective of the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, Our elected bodies are more representative and our
laws are fairer when all eligible Americans are able to
participate in elections and have their voices heard; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth once had a tradition of closing
all bars on Election Day that lasted from 1875 until 1973 when
exemptions were granted to bars that made 30% or more of their
revenue from food and nonalcoholic beverages; and
WHEREAS, The policy of prohibiting the sale of alcohol on
Election Day was intended to prevent candidates from buying or
suppressing votes; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge
municipalities throughout this Commonwealth to enact ordinances
prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Election Day.
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