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For Immediate Release
February 26, 2001

White: Senate Forms Bipartisan Committee To Examine Election Issues

Harrisburg – Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a resolution to create the Joint Select Committee to Examine Election Issues, which will take a close look at how elections are conducted in the Commonwealth.

Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who supported the measure, said the recent election controversy in Florida highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of Pennsylvania’s election process.

“Preserving the integrity of the voting process is vital to democracy, and that means acting before widespread problems arise,” said White.  “Generally, we have a pretty good system in Pennsylvania, but it’s due for a vigorous review.”

The bi-partisan committee will be made up of members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and will hold a series of public hearings across the state and examine a variety of issues, including: methods of voting; casting, counting and recounting of votes; voter registration; absentee balloting; and protections against fraud.

The panel also will study the impact of using the many different types of voting technologies that currently exist in different regions of the state, including punch ballots; penciled ballots; mechanized voting booths; touch-screen systems; and computerized booths.

 White noted that the committee also will consider improvements for giving every candidate a fair and equal chance on the ballot, including third-party and write-in candidates; giving candidates due process to pursue allegations of unfairness; and giving local election officials the ability to produce accurate and rapid reports on election night.

Local voters and election officials will have the opportunity to provide input to the panel at the statewide hearings.  Following the study, the committee will provide recommendations to the General Assembly.

“It’s important that people have faith in the voting system,” said White. “They should be confident that their vote counts. “Taking this action to identify problems and recommend solutions is a step toward building such confidence"