Why Election Policy Is Still One of Harrisburg's Thorniest Issues

For two decades, disputes over voter identification have sunk attempts to rewrite Pennsylvania’s badly outdated election law. But in recent years, prominent Democrats have offered tentative support for stricter rules.

In March, state House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D., Philadelphia), a longtime opponent, publicly said she is open to expanding voter ID as long as it doesn’t make it harder for people to vote. That’s a position echoed by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro.

In theory, Democratic support for a GOP priority should make it easier for Pennsylvania’s divided legislature to reach a deal that brings the state’s Election Code into the 21st century. The reality is much more complicated.

To understand why, it’s important to consider the transactional politics of Harrisburg.

State lawmakers broadly agree Pennsylvania’s election law is flawed and needs updates, from getting rid of archaic requirements for lanterns at polling places, to allowing counties to process and tally mail ballots before Election Day to speed up results.


https://buckscountybeacon.com/2025/05/why-election-policy-is-still-one-of-harrisburgs-thorniest-issues/