Challenges Persist in Pennsylvania’s Election Law Five Years After Reform Initiatives

The 2024 election in Pennsylvania proceeded without major issues, yet election officials, particularly in Lehigh County, face systemic problems that require urgent reforms. Calls for changes to election laws, such as extending pre-canvassing times and voter registration deadlines, have largely gone unanswered due to political stalemate. The excessive overtime demands on staff and long wait times for voters highlight the need for immediate legislative action to address these challenges.

Pennsylvania’s 2024 election was executed smoothly, yet underlying issues remain, according to Lehigh County’s Chief Clerk of Elections, Tim Benyo. Despite improvements, such as advanced counting machines funded after the 2020 election, calls for essential reforms in the election code—including extended time for pre-canvassing mail-in ballots and an earlier voter registration deadline—have not been implemented due to ongoing political conflicts.

Benyo expressed concern about the high demand and little capacity for processing voter registrations and mail-in ballots, with staff working excessive overtime to meet state deadlines. This overburdening of election officials could lead to mistakes as experienced administrators depart from their roles. Instances of long wait times for voters, coupled with technological slowdowns in the state’s voter database, further complicated the election process.

As Lehigh County officials aim to ease voter concerns, they experience increasing tensions, particularly with some voters dissatisfied when handed mail-in ballots instead of expected paper ballots. Addressing the need for change is paramount, but with the current legislative climate, hope for significant reforms in 2025 appears dim. While the General Assembly returns to work in January with unchanged partisan divisions, there is speculation regarding potential compromises that might appease both Democrats and Republicans on election reform. Without collaborative dialogue, the challenges faced during the 2024 elections may persist without resolution.

In the wake of the 2020 election, which highlighted significant challenges in Pennsylvania’s voting infrastructure, state officials have sought numerous reforms to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the election process. The state’s election code has remained largely unchanged, with criticisms directed at political gridlock preventing necessary adjustments. As elections move closer, pressures on county officials increase, particularly regarding staffing and technology, which are essential for successful election administration. The calls for improved voting processes, including early voting and streamlined mail-in ballot handling, reflect growing demands from constituents for more accessible participation in the electoral process.

In conclusion, while Pennsylvania’s 2024 election demonstrated operational success, glaring systemic issues threaten the stability and reliability of future elections. Lehigh County’s election officials continue to advocate for essential reforms within the election code, facing substantial hurdles due to political polarization. The need for practical solutions, particularly regarding staffing and processing capabilities, is increasingly urgent if electoral integrity and voter confidence are to be preserved.

Original Source: www.lehighvalleynews.com