Burns celebrates passage of bill to end straight-party voting in Pa.
Move weakens political party control, encourages more-informed electorate
Rep. Frank Burns October 29, 2019 | 4:43 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – Believing that the person is more important than the party, state Rep. Frank Burns has voted in support of a measure that would abolish straight-party voting in Pennsylvania.
Burns, D-Cambria, said S.B. 421 would allow Pennsylvania voters to cast their ballot for the person who is the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation.
“For too long, we’ve been mired in the quicksand of the past, where political party bosses on both sides relied on straight-party voting to obtain and exert control – often for their own benefit,” Burns said. “Passing this legislation lifts us out of that sinking pit and into the modern era, where paying attention to individual candidates instead of pulling a single lever will lead to a more informed and independent-thinking electorate.”
Burns said his vote today in favor of S.B. 421 is a reflection not only of his personal belief that the people are more important than the party, but also a result of listening to those he represents.
“In Cambria County, taxpayers are fed up with the failure of both political parties to compromise and govern effectively,” Burns said. “People are tired of politicians on both sides of the aisle constantly digging their heels in and refusing to work together – at the direction of party leaders. I believe that ending straight-party voting will loosen the grip party leaders have on many elected officials, which will give the power back to the people.”
Burns added the bill would also allow registered voters to vote-by-mail, move voter-registration deadlines closer to elections, and provide funding for safer, more secure voting machines across Pennsylvania.
The measure now heads to the state Senate for further consideration.