Group praised
Last spring only about 15 percent of Pennsylvanians made the trek to the polls for the local primary election. That number kicked up to about 25 percent in the general election last month, but that still means that only one in four residents across the commonwealth voted for candidates in crucial races for county commissioner, school board, mayor, borough and city council, township supervisor, magisterial district judge and statewide courts.
The apathy is becoming a huge concern, especially with the presidential election on the horizon next year. Back in 2012, only 59 percent of Pennsylvania voters took part in selecting the president of the United States, the 29th lowest percentage among the country’s 50 states.
That was followed by the 2014 general election in which only 41 percent of Pennsylvanians voted in the race for governor.
It’s clear that something has to be done to try and spur voter turnout. One of the problems for years has been the reluctance of the Pennsylvania Legislature to enact any changes that could possibly make it easier for voters to cast their ballots.
However, stepping into the breach is a group called Keystone Votes, which is seeking a sweeping overhaul of restrictions on voter registration and general access to the polls. There are many members of the group, including the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, Common Cause Pennsylvania and the state ACLU.
While the group noted there are a number of options to consider, it has narrowed its focus to four main goals.
n Permitting no-excuse absentee ballots, which will allow voters to vote by mail without having to provide a reason. Absentee ballots are currently limited to those with disabilities or medical excuses, or who will be traveling.
n Allowing in-person voting at polls prior to Election Day, which is in place in 33 states and Washington, D.C.
n Approving same-day registration,whereby unregistered voters can register to vote on Election Day itself. Group officials said the option exists in 14 states and Washington, D.C., and has been found to increase voter turnout by 10 percent. Voter registration deadlines are now about a month before elections.
n Granting 16- and 17-year-olds the right to pre-register to vote. While they couldn’t vote until they were 18, the law would allow them to register when they obtain their driver’s license.
Getting all four measures passed in the Pennsylvania Legislature will certainly be a challenge. There’s a reason why Pennsylvania is only one of nine states without at least one of the four election reforms. In the recent past, Pennsylvanian’s Republican lawmakers passed a controversial voter ID bill, which was later overturned by the courts. Opponents of the measure said it would have made it much tougher for Pennsylvanians to vote, especially for minorities and low-income residents.
Is there any chance that even one of the measures can become law? Well, elections for the state Legislature will be held next year and both incumbents and challengers would be well-advised to make these measures part of their election platforms.
We support all four measures and hope the Legislature will act quickly to make them law. You’d think that most voters would also welcome the changes and support the candidates who back the measures. And that support will be crucial for any changes to take place.
In the end, all the writing by us and talking by groups interested in boosting voter turnout won’t matter unless the legislature acts. And lawmakers simply won’t act until they get some heat from the public.
So, it’s up to you to apply some pressure on this very important subject. If you can’t find a candidate who’s interested in these reforms, then keep looking until you find one who is.