Pennsylvania - 2024 - Institute for Responsive Government

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Responsive Gov’s Grade TL;DR

The Pennsylvania General Assembly did not make any substantial changes to its election laws during the 2024 session. Due to its lack of action, Pennsylvania received a B- on this year’s progress report.

Looking Back

Where Pennsylvania Started at the Beginning of 2024

Automatic Voter Registration: Partial AVR
Online Voter Registration: Open to all Eligible Voters
Same-Day Registration: No
Restoration of Rights: Prison Disenfranchisement
Vote by Mail: No-Excuse
Electronic Registration Information Center Member: Yes
Early Voting Opportunities: In-Person Absentee
ID Requirements: No Document Required

Relying on the Cost of Voting Index for Pennsylvania as of 2024, we considered the state a middle tier state for pre-existing voting policy and compared its 2024 activity against other middle tier states.

How Our Tier Compares

COVI (2024): 29th
EPI Score (2022): 29th
CLC State Scorecard (2022): 7/10
MAP Democracy Rating (2024): FAIR

2024: This Past Year

Legislative Action

The Pennsylvania General Assembly did not pass any significant election-related laws during the 2024 session.

The General Assembly failed to pass HB 847, which would have allowed counties to begin pre-canvassing mail ballots prior to Election Day. Although the bill passed the House, the Senate failed to take it up.

Executive Action

This past summer, the Department of State issued the “Directive Concerning the Form of Absentee and Mail-In Ballot Materials,” aimed at reducing voter errors on return ballot envelopes and eliminating the chance that ballots would be rejected.

Download the Report