Public trust in elections is waning, with voters expressing concerns about security, transparency, and accountability. In response to these issues, Representative Jill Cooper voted against House Bill 1396. According to Cooper, the bill proposes significant changes to the Election Code that could weaken safeguards and burden counties financially.
The bill would codify the use of drop boxes, mandate electronic pollbooks, and eliminate certain ballot security measures. “Some of these measures alone may not be too bad,” Cooper stated, “but as a package, they have the potential to allow more election fraud and cost our cash-strapped counties a ton of money.”
House Bill 1396 would also remove the requirement for ballots to have a dated declaration or valid secrecy envelope for counting. It introduces a permanent mail-in ballot list application process where voters would automatically receive mail-in ballots unless they revoke their status or are no longer qualified electors. This system raises concerns about vulnerability to fraud due to unreported moves or deaths.
Counties would need to establish multiple drop-box locations based on voter numbers and ensure at least one is available 24/7 before each election. Additionally, counties must set up early voting sites operating from 11 days before an election until the Sunday prior.
Electronic pollbooks would become mandatory at all voting locations by December 31, 2026. While funding is allocated for examining and approving pollbook systems, Cooper argues that implementation costs will heavily impact county budgets already strained by basic service demands.
“The General Assembly has a duty to ensure our laws support elections that are safe, secure and worthy of the public’s trust,” said Cooper. She believes this bill does not address real challenges nor provides necessary tools for safeguarding democracy.
For further information or media inquiries, contact Jordan Frei at jfrei@pahousegop.com or visit RepJillCooper.com.
