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Some Pennsylvania counties do not allow the fixing of mail ballots, leading to higher rejection rates: Spotlight PA


A recent analysis by Votebeat and Spotlight PA found that counties in Pennsylvania that allow mail voters to fix errors on their ballots had a lower rejection rate during the 2024 general election. Overall, only 0.57% of mail ballots were rejected due to voter errors, compared to higher rejection rates in previous elections. The disparity in rejection rates highlights the inconsistency in election administration rules across the state.

Some counties, such as Allegheny, Chester, and Delaware, allow voters to fix errors on their mail ballots by providing instructions on how to remedy the mistake. However, 26 counties do not offer any opportunities for voters to correct errors, leading to potential disenfranchisement.

The lack of uniformity in curing policies stems from the ambiguity in the law that expanded mail voting in Pennsylvania in 2019. While Act 77 requires certain procedures for mail ballots, it does not explicitly address how counties should handle errors. This has led to counties having to independently decide on curing practices.

The Pennsylvania Department of State has implemented changes to the return envelope to reduce flawed mail ballots, resulting in a lower rejection rate for the 2024 general election. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt credited voter education efforts and envelope changes for the improvement in ballot acceptance rates.

However, the decision to allow voters to fix errors on their mail ballots remains a contentious issue among county officials. Some argue that it gives mail voters an unfair advantage over in-person voters, while others believe it is necessary to ensure that all eligible votes are counted.

The inconsistency in curing policies across the state highlights the need for clearer guidance from the General Assembly to ensure uniformity in election administration practices. Moving forward, collaboration between lawmakers and election officials will be crucial in addressing these challenges.

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