Westmoreland Review

In a recent update from the State Capitol and 55th District, Representative Jill Cooper expressed her concerns regarding a bill that could potentially alter the process of handling mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania. Cooper stated, "I voted against a bill that would change how counties handle and count ballots received by mail."

The proposed House Bill 847, which passed along party lines, suggests giving counties the option to begin the ballot pre-canvassing process seven days earlier, potentially leading to delays in reporting results. Cooper highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in election procedures, emphasizing, "Election laws should be easy to understand and administrated universally."

Expressing her apprehensions about the potential impact on voter confidence, Cooper noted the risks associated with varying methods and timelines across different counties in Pennsylvania. She stated, "If one county publishes results within hours of the close of voting and a neighboring county still has days of counting ballots ahead, this only erodes voter confidence."

Furthermore, the absence of security measures in the bill raised concerns for Cooper. She pointed out that the proposed changes lack provisions for ensuring the secure storage of mail-in ballots throughout the pre-canvassing process, potentially leaving room for vulnerabilities.

Amid discussions on election reforms, Cooper advocated for the implementation of a voter identification requirement. She emphasized, "Having voter identification is a simple way to improve voter confidence, regardless of party or choice of candidate."

In addition to addressing election-related issues, Representative Cooper shared information about upcoming events, including a Free Mobile Shredding Event and a Lyme Disease Awareness campaign. The community initiatives aim to promote safety, security, and awareness among residents in the 55th Legislative District.

For more updates and details on legislative matters, constituents can visit Representative Jill Cooper's official website or social media platforms.

Contact: Jordan Frei

Phone: 724-875-8450

Website: jillCooper.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/RepJillCooper