Rabb, Policy Committee discuss voting and elections
Rep. Christopher M. Rabb February 26, 2020 | 10:58 AM
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 26 – Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing Tuesday, Feb. 25 to discuss voting and elections after recent historic changes were made to the state’s voting laws.
“Voting is one of the most cherished rights endowed to the people in this country,” Rabb said. “When we cast our ballot, we’re giving voice to our values by choosing the people we want to serve as our representatives in the spheres that govern many aspects of our lives and determine how our resources are spent. Understanding the recent changes to our voting laws, which will affect people across Pennsylvania for years to come, is vital to our democracy, which is why I was grateful for the opportunity to facilitate discussion on the topic at this Policy Committee hearing.”
Rabb was joined by fellow state legislators, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
“We must ensure that every Pennsylvanian who is eligible to vote understands the process so that his, her or their voice can be heard,” Sturla said. “Having conversations like the one at Tuesday’s Policy Committee hearing really brings that idea home.”
Testifiers at the hearing held at the United Lutheran Seminary included Rachel Boss, community impact manager in the Bureau of Campaign Finance and Civic Engagement, PA Department of State; Omar Sabir, city commissioner, city of Philadelphia; Patrick Christmas, policy director, Committee of Seventy; Marc Stier, director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center; Sara Mullen, associate director, ACLU of Pennsylvania; Kendra Cochran, statewide voter engagement coordinator, POWER Interfaith.
This hearing is among a series being held across the state on House Democrats’ Plan4PA, a policy agenda focused on good jobs, affordable and accessible health care, quality schools and providing training for jobs in a fair economy. More information about the plan is available at www.plan4pa.com. Hearing materials are at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee.
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