Sanchez proposes only allowing PA ballot questions during bigger election turnout years

Plan would limit all referendums to voters in general elections during races for governor, president

Rep. Ben Sanchez    August 20, 2021

ABINGTON, Aug. 20 – State Rep. Ben Sanchez is introducing legislation to limit submission of all future Pennsylvania ballot questions to voters only in general elections during presidential and gubernatorial cycles, when voter turnout is far greater.

“Under our current system, often only a small percentage of voters make their voices heard in altering our state’s most fundamental document, its constitution,” said Sanchez, D-Montgomery. “When the highest profile national and statewide elections take place, more people vote, and these fundamentally important ballot questions will be vetted by the broadest possible electorate.”

His legislation would amend the Pennsylvania Election Code to require that ballot questions be submitted to voters only during a general election and only every two years when there is a presidential or gubernatorial election.

“Democracy works better when more people participate. This proposal brings better transparency to the process and will help ensure that the voices of more Pennsylvanians will be heard when it comes to constitutional changes that affect us all,” he said.

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