Subchapter V. PENNSYLVANIA ELECTION REFORM TASK FORCE
Sec.
6.291. Tasks.
6.292. Composition.
6.293. Report.
6.294. Cooperation by State agencies.
6.295. Effective date.
6.296. Termination date.
The provisions of this Subchapter V issued under Executive Order No. 2004-11, dated December 13, 2004, 38 Pa.B. 2148, unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Pennsylvania Election Reform Task Force (Task Force) shall examine options and make recommendations for changing the date of the Primary Election, including legislative changes, and timelines necessary to achieve the recommended changes.
(b) The Task Force shall review all absentee voting statutes, regulations and county practices and recommend legislative or regulatory actions appropriate to improve access to the election process for individuals who cannot get to a polling place on Election Day.
(c) The Task Force shall review all absentee voting statutes, regulations and county practices and recommend legislative or regulatory actions necessary to ensure the ability to participate in elections by those subject to the requirements of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) (42 U.S.C.A. § § 1373ff—1373ff-6 and 18 U.S.C. § § 608 and 609).
(d) The Task Force shall examine options and make recommendations to increase voter participation, including early voting, voting by mail or other similar system reforms, while ensuring the privacy and security of all ballots cast.
(e) The Task Force shall make recommendations to address specific deficiencies at the State or county level with respect to compliance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) (42 U.S.C.A. § § 15301—15545).
(f) The Task Force may examine other voting reforms such as methods for apportioning electoral votes.
The Pennsylvania Election Reform Task Force (Task Force) shall consist of 13 members.
(1) The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall serve as Chairperson of the Task Force. Four additional members shall be appointed by the Governor and shall represent various constituencies affected by or knowledgeable about the Pennsylvania election processes.
(2) Each of the following legislative caucus leaders shall appoint one member of the Task Force. These members shall be private citizens with knowledge of the Pennsylvania election process.
(i) The President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
(ii) The Minority Leader of the Senate.
(iii) The Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(iv) The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
(3) The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania shall appoint three commissioners, election officials or private citizens to serve on the Task Force.
(4) The League of Women Voters shall appoint one person to serve on the Task Force.
The Pennsylvania Election Reform Task Force shall present its recommendations in a final report by May 1, 2005.
The Department of State shall serve as the administrative support agency of the Pennsylvania Election Reform Task Force (Task Force) and provide facilities, personnel assistance, information and services necessary to fulfill the objectives of the Task Force. All other Commonwealth agencies are directed to cooperate with and assist the Task Force in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities.
§ 6.291. Tasks.
§ 6.292. Composition.
§ 6.293. Report.
§ 6.294. Cooperation by State agencies.
§ 6.295. Effective date.