McClinton introduces comprehensive election bill to bolster democracy, marking one year since deadly insurrection on U.S. Capitol

Rep. Joanna E. McClinton    January 6, 2022

HARRISBURG, Jan. 6 -- With today marking one year since the deadly insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, Pennsylvania House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton announced she has introduced legislation reflecting her commitment to stand up against attacks on democracy and make voting even safer and more accessible for all Pennsylvanians. 

“The alarming images from last January’s siege on the U.S. Capitol will forever be burned in our memories and were the direct result of lies and rhetoric still being spewed by some who cannot accept the results of the 2020 election more than a year later, even after investigations found no fraud occurred,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “The fact is the 2020 election was safe, free, fair and secure. My legislation works to build on our progress to ensure every voice is heard and every vote is counted.”

Named after the first African American to serve as Pennsylvania’s House speaker, the K. Leroy Irvis Voting Rights Protection Act (House Bill 2090) aims to make casting a ballot easier by continuing to allow early voting; providing for more ballot drop boxes; and permitting same day registration, which have all been adopted in other states. 

The legislation would also:

  • Make updates requested by county election officials, including 21 days of pre-canvassing, where election officials can prepare mail-in and absentee ballots prior to Election Day.
     
  • Support election security by implementing statewide electronic poll books for secure, real-time monitoring of election rolls, which is a practice currently used by nearly three dozen states.

“We have a responsibility to uphold not undermine our democracy,” explained McClinton. “My proposal is not about erecting barriers, accessing sensitive information from Pennsylvanians, or suppressing voter turnout – specifically in our Black and Brown communities. It is about investing in ways to strengthen our election process that benefits everyone.”

McClinton’s legislation would build on the previously enacted Act 77 and Act 12, which were among the most comprehensive updates to Pennsylvania’s voting laws in decades that passed both the state House and Senate. 

More information about H.B. 2090 can be found here.