Rabb introduces legislation to extend deadline for receipt of mail-in ballots during disaster emergencies such as COVID-19

Rep. Christopher M. Rabb    May 18, 2020 | 4:56 PM

HARRISBURG, May 18 – Holding firm on his belief that all registered voters should have an assurance that their votes will count, especially during a pandemic or other disaster emergency, Rep. Chris Rabb has introduced legislation, H.B. 2532, that would do just that.

Today, Rabb introduced a bill that would extend the deadline when mail-in ballots can be received during an election that takes place during a disaster emergency or within 60 days of the termination of the emergency declaration.

“The measure I’m proposing is something we already do for the members of our military who are serving overseas,” Rabb said. “We must do everything we can to ensure that every vote that is cast is counted, while we reduce the deluge of paper ballots that’s likely to flood under-resourced boards of elections.”

Rabb’s legislation would extend the deadline for receipt of mail-in ballots, including absentee ballots, during a disaster emergency or within 60 days of the termination of the emergency declaration.

Ballots would need to be received by 5 p.m. on the seventh day after an election.

 

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