“A House bill [HB 847] passed Wednesday in a party line vote would allow counties up to seven days before election day to open ballot envelopes and run ballots through scanning machines, though results would still be tabulated on the day of the election. Currently, counties cannot begin processing mail ballots until the morning of the election, which means counties with large numbers of mail ballots may need additional days to finish counting and report complete results.”

Read the full article in Spotlight, PA

This practical solution, that is in place in other states with mail ballot voting, makes election day less hectic for election workers. The sudden shift in totals, when mail ballots are added into the total results from the polling locations, creates the illusion that something peculiar is happening — helping to fuel election conspiracy rhetoric. Being able to pre-canvass would eliminate that perception.

Thirty-nine states and the Virgin Islands permit election officials to begin processing absentee/mail ballots prior to the election. Eight states and Washington, D.C., permit election officials to begin processing absentee/mail ballots on Election Day, but prior to the closing of the polls. Alabama, District of Columbia, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS! Let them know you think this bill is important!
PA Senators
Nick Miller, PA Senate 14 Let him know you think this bill is important and should be passed, without amendments, before the November election.

Jarrett Coleman, PA Senate 16 Let him know you think this bill is important and should be passed, without amendments, before the November election.

PA Representatives
Zachary Mako, PA House 183 (Voted No on HB 847 ) Ask him why he voted no on a simple one-issue bill that would enable county officials to process ballots more efficiently and help eliminate doubts about election integrity.

Ryan E. Mackenzie, PA House 187 (Voted No on HB 847 ) Ask him why he voted no on a simple one-issue bill that would enable county officials to process ballots more efficiently and help eliminate doubts about election integrity.

Michael H. Schlossberg, PA House 132 (Voted Yes on HB 847 ) Thank him for voting yes on this sensible bill.