HB 2542
An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for appeals to court from decisions of the county board and for Secretary of the Commonwealth to tabulate, compute and canvass returns; and, in recounts and contests, further providing for entry and effect of decision and providing for appeal.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to streamline the process of appealing decisions made by county election boards and clarifies the role of the Secretary of the Commonwealth in tabulating and certifying election results. It also establishes timelines for court decisions in recounts and contests, ensuring quicker resolution. The bill aims to expedite election processes and provide clearer procedures for appeals and recounts.
Key provisions
- Shortens the timeframe for court appeals from county board decisions to seven days.
- Specifies that the Secretary of the Commonwealth must provide notice to key officials if they cannot meet certification deadlines.
- Clarifies the process for entry and effect of court decisions in recounts and contests, setting a seven-day deadline for the decision.
- Establishes a one-day appeal window to the Supreme Court for decisions in recounts and contests.
- Defines timelines for the Supreme Court to issue determinations on appeals.
- Updates procedures for tabulating and certifying election results by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- Requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to provide detailed information in notices regarding certification delays.
- Specifies that the court must determine which candidate received the greatest number of legal votes in a recount or contest.
Who is affected
- Voters
- County Election Boards
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Benjamin Sanchez
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