SB 1272
An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for special elections for Senator and Representative in the General Assembly.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to clarify the process for holding special elections to fill vacancies in the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives. Specifically, it outlines that special elections for these vacancies will be held at the next scheduled primary, municipal, or general election, occurring at least 60 days after the writ of election is issued. The bill also allows the presiding officer to adjust the election date if the General Assembly convenes in an extraordinary session before the original date, and specifies that a special election is only required if the vacancy occurs less than seven months before the end of a term, based on the presiding officer’s judgment.
Key provisions
- Special elections for Senate and House vacancies must be held at least 60 days after the writ of election is issued.
- Presiding officers can adjust the election date if the General Assembly convenes in extraordinary session.
- A special election is only required if the vacancy occurs less than seven months before the end of a term.
- The writ of election must be issued within 10 days of a vacancy occurring.
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth must issue a writ of election.
- The bill amends Section 628 of the Pennsylvania Election Code.
Who is affected
- Pennsylvania voters
- The Pennsylvania General Assembly
- County Boards of Elections
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth
Notable changes
- Clarifies the timing for holding special elections to fill Senate and House vacancies.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Lisa Boscola
Cosponsors
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