PA should have more time to process mail-in ballot applications, optional secrecy envelopes
(link) https://www.witf.org/2023/02/06/pennsylvania-should-have-longer-voter-registration-period-optional-mail-in-ballot-secrecy-envelopes-agency-recommends/?mc_cid=38c5e4e748&mc_eid=3ab2f24ac3
Full headline: Pennsylvania should have longer period to process mail-in ballot applications, optional secrecy envelopes, agency recommends
It was published by the Joint State Government Commission, a bipartisan research agency designed to inform Pennsylvania lawmakers, and presents five proposals designed to eliminate confusion at the polls – and minimize post-election lawsuits.
Project Manager Yvonne Hursh said secrecy envelopes are antiquated, and failing to use one shouldn’t disqualify any otherwise legal votes.
- snip -
One of the recommendations includes moving up the deadline to fill out mail-in and absentee ballot applications by at least five days, in part, so votes don’t get lost in the mail.
- Short article, more at link -
The report (PDF format) from the Joint State Government Commission can be downloaded here: http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/resources/documents/ftp/publications/2023-01-11%20ELAB%20Mail-In%20Ballot%201.10.23.pdf
The suggestions are smart and need to be enacted. Our mailed ballot voting has been messed up by the controlling Repukes, who are hoping to disenfranchise as many voters as possible. By law the scanning and counting of mailed ballots cannot begin until after the polls close on Election Day. Scanning the mailed ballots in Allegheny County takes about 3 days, and in the Philadelphia districts it can take as long as 5 days.
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Honestly it doesn't matter a bit whether we have a Drivers License or not. The county election board have our signatures on file (from previous voting) and they can access the PADL database.
For those who don't have a DL, or don't want to give it, we can still vote by mail but we should make sure the signature we supply them is a good one that we can easily replicate. Senior citizens and those with handicaps may not always sign their name in the same way every time.
Another thing to remember is that because they are checking against the Drivers License database, all names and addresses must match. For example if the name on your Drivers License is "Elizabeth Jones" don't sign your name "Betty Jones" on your voter registration.
Philly will be using electronic "poll books". It's hard enough to get a good signature registered when applying for/renewing a driver's license at a DMV using their electronic screen, so I can imagine with a portable. Just something for the loons to target and harass us for. 
After years of troubleshooting, Philly will use electronic poll books in this year's primary election
When voters cast their ballots in May, they'll sign a digital pad rather than a stack of paper
By Brian A. Saunders
PhillyVoice Staff
Philadelphia will begin using electronic poll books during this year's primary election. The technology, designed to speed up the voter check-in process, had been delayed because of software bugs. This year, Philadelphia voters will choose a new mayor. When they head to the polls in May's primary election, they'll see something else new: updated technology at their polling places.
After almost four years of troubleshooting, city commissioners say poll workers will begin using electronic poll books, eliminating the paper stacks of information workers have long used to check in voters. Many states have implemented electronic poll books to provide checks and balances for human error and speed up the check-in process for voters. Over 20 states currently use the software in some capacity, and six use them statewide, Pew reports.
"I just think that the electronic poll books are going to revolutionize the way Philadelphians vote in person," City Commissioner Lisa Deeley told KYW Newsradio. "It'll streamline the process, it will be more efficient and it'll be a much better day for the board workers."
In addition to cutting down on paperwork, the new system will make it easy to check voters' polling places, and whether or not they applied for a mail-in-ballot that needs to be returned.
(snip)
https://www.phillyvoice.com/philly-poll-workers-electronic-poll-books-primary-election/
I could never get a good "signature" while signing my name on a computer screen.
That's why I always show my U.S. Passport for ID, because it has a real signature, not a messed up screen sig.
