Heffley: Partisan Election Bill Undermines Trust, Burdens Counties

May 16, 2025

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) this week voted against House Bill 1396, a sweeping election bill passed by House Democrats on a party-line vote that he says undermines election integrity and imposes significant costs on counties while doing little to build voter confidence. 

“The safety and security of our elections are the bedrock of our democracy,” said Heffley. “This bill does more harm than good and takes us further away from secure and accountable elections.” 

House Bill 1396 makes significant changes to Pennsylvania’s Election Code, including: 
• Creating a permanent, unsecure mail-in voting system. 
• Requiring mandatory use of ballot drop boxes across all counties for 30 days before an election, with 24/7 surveillance and daily pickup. 
• Mandating 10 days of early voting in person, staffed for a minimum of eight hours daily.
• Removes signature and date requirement on ballots.

The bill offers only a $60 million bond for counties to upgrade voting equipment, leaving them on the hook for the long-term staffing, security and infrastructure costs tied to the new mandates.  

“This legislation does not secure elections; it makes them more uncertain. Voters deserve confidence that the system is fair, secure and transparent,” said Heffley

Heffley pledged to continue advocating for election polices that promote uniformity, transparency and accountability – not partisan advantage. 

House Bill 1396 now moves to the state Senate for consideration.