Resources
📝 Time for Pa. to Adopt Same-Day Voter Registration & Authorize Early In-Person Voting with Machines
June 8, 2023
Early Voting & Same-Day Registration Testimony presented by One PA Before the House Democratic Policy Committee
February 2, 2023
House State Government Committee Testimony: Election Integrity and Accessibility Policy through Modernization
April 1, 2021
Legislative Priorities: Modernizing Pennsylvania’s Election Process
February 2021
Ensuring Safe, Secure, Free & Fair Elections amid COVID-19: Key Policies for PA to Address
July 2020
Press Releases
🆕 Pennsylvania Voice Applauds Governor Shapiro’s Proposal for Fair, Free, and Secure Elections
February 6, 2024
Pennsylvania Voice Issues Statement on Advancement of Al Schmidt as Secretary of the Department of State
June 28, 2023
Early In-Person Voting, Same-Day Registration Should be Priority in Discussions about Meaningful Election Reforms
February 2, 2023
Senate Advances Voter ID Measure Bundled with Other Controversial Constitutional Amendment Proposals January 11, 2023
Fiscal, Policy Discussions During Budget Debate Produces Mixed Bag for Voting Rights Advocates July 8, 2022
Keystone Votes Urges Lawmakers to Ensure Elections are Fully Funded June 9, 2022
Keystone Votes Urges Lawmakers to Focus on Reforms that Make Voting Easier, More Convenient for Eligible Voters March 31, 2022
Keystone Votes Issues Statement on Act 77 Ruling January 28, 2022
Press Release Archives:
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Keystone Votes Urges Lawmakers to Enact Policies that Enhance Security, Boost Integrity September 21, 2021
Keystone Votes Urges Veto of H.B. 1300 June 29, 2021
Keystone Votes Responds to H.B. 1300 June 10, 2021
Keystone Votes Statement on Election Review & Reforms June 9, 2021
Keystone Votes Pushes for Early In-person Voting in Pa. April 8, 2021
Keystone Votes Testifies before House, Outlines Agenda to Ensure Safe, Transparent Elections April 1, 2021
To Modernize Elections, Establish Vote Centers in Pa. Counties March 25, 2021
Pa. Should Strengthen Vote-by-Mail Process March 18, 2021
Senate Begins 2020 Election Review March 15, 2021
Voting Machines Just Part of Ongoing Election Modernization Process March 10, 2021
Pa. Should Embrace Same-Day Voter Registration, e-Poll Books March 4, 2021
Keystone Votes Unveils Election Reform Agenda February 23, 2021
Keystone Votes Welcomes Acting DOS Sec. Degraffenreid February 8, 2021
Gov.’s Proposed Budget Includes Key Election Reforms February 3, 2021
SURE Updates Enhance Transparency, Security, Efficiency January 28, 2021
2020 Election Review Begins with First House Hearing January 21, 2021
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Keystone Votes to Elected Leaders: ‘Trust the Process’ November 18, 2020
Election talks in Harrisburg: It’s good the governor & legislature are talking, but is a good-faith compromise really on the table September 2, 2020
Senate GOP Unveils Election Reform Plan, But Time is Running out to Secure Passage, Implement Changes, Inform Voters August 25, 2020
Keystone Votes Responds to DOS Report on Elections August 1, 2020
DOS to Cover Postage for Mail-in Ballots July 31, 2020
Time is Running out for State to Address Election Issues July 23, 2020
House Election Reform Measures Good First Step but Miss Opportunity to Address In-Person Voting Challenges June 24, 2020
Primary Election Exposes Issues that Require Legislative Attention to Fix before November June 3, 2020
Keystone Votes Urges Governor to Re-Open Vote-by-Mail Process in Wake of Protests June 1, 2020
Allegheny County’s Polling Place Consolidation Plan Disproportionately Affects Voters of Color May 27, 2020
Administering June 2 Primary Brings Challenges, But Voters Can Be Sure of Safe, Secure Elections April 30, 2020
Keystone Votes Backs Primary Change but Worries about Provision to Authorize Closing, Consolidating Polling Places March 24, 2020
With Pa. Primary Set to Move, Focus Now Shifts to Ensuring Changes Don’t Disenfranchise Voters March 24, 2020
Keystone Votes Endorses Plan to Delay Primary Election March 23, 2020
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Incident Blocking Legally Registered Voters Demonstrates Need to Invest in Election Hardware, Software October 3, 2018
As Senate Considers Election Reforms, Modernizing Elections & Updating Old Voting Machines Remain Priority September 25, 2018
Keystone Votes Responds to Planned Audit of State's Voter Registration System June 11, 2018
Groups Seek Funding in FY 2018-19 Budget for Election Modernization, Security, Technology Upgrades June 7, 2018
New Voting Machines, Funding for Upgrades First Steps in Enhancing Election Security in Pa. April 12, 2018
Election Reforms Ensure All Eligible Pennsylvanians Can Vote March 26, 2018
State Needs to Fund Replacement of Outdated Voting Machines February 21, 2018
Keystone Votes Urges Legislators to Secure Elections Now December 12, 2017
Leading Advocacy Organizations Launch Keystone Votes Coalition, Campaign to Update PA’s Elections November 17, 2015
Voting Rights Advocates Praise Wolf Administration’s Move to Offer Online Voter Registration August 27, 2015
Opinions:
Lancaster Online: Time to improve system for voters
by Ray Murphy | March 31, 2021
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Continue to improve elections in Pa.
by Ray Murphy | February 28, 2021
York Daily Record: Why York County’s lone mail-in ballot drop-box isn’t enough for me
by Mirna Gonzalez | October 14, 2020
PennLive: Time is running out for election reform before November
by Ray Murphy | August 27, 2020
Centre Daily Times: Time is running out for election reform before November
by Ray Murphy | August 13, 2020
Lancaster Online: Election reform needed quickly in Pennsylvania
by Ray Murphy | August 5, 2020
York Dispatch: Stop stalling on voting fix
by York Dispatch Editorial Board | June 16, 2020
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Voting by mail protects public health
by Ray Murphy │ April 26, 2020
Beaver County Times: State has made sweeping reforms to ensure secure elections
by Ray Murphy│February 5, 2020
Bucks County Courier Times: PA should allowing voting by mail by 2020
by Ray Murphy│September 9, 2019
Philadelphia Inquirer: New voting technology is good step for Pennsylvania, but voters need training
by Aerion Abney│August 30, 2019
Lebanon Daily News (submitted): Bipartisan Leadership Strengthening Democratic Process Through Election Reform Package
by Ray Murphy│May 31, 2019
The Legal Intelligencer: Modernizing Pa. Elections Starts With ‘No Excuse’ Absentee Ballots
by Gabe Labella│May 17, 2019
Philadelphia Inquirer: New voting security measures could disenfranchise voters with disabilities
by Imani Barbarin and Gabe Labella│April 7, 2019
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: It’s not enough to update voting machines. Pa. needs to update its election law, too
by Ray Murphy│March 31, 2019
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County part of election system talks
by Ray Murphy│March 10, 2019
Lock Haven Express: Funding necessary for modernized voting machines
by Ray Murphy│December 8, 2018
PennLive: This is how to ensure safe and modern elections in Pa.
by Ray Murphy│November 21, 2018
Allentown Morning Call: Pa. must switch to voting machines that are secure, modern
by Ray Murphy│November 19, 2018
Beaver County Times: Legislature needs to act on new voting machines
by Ray Murphy│November 14, 2018
Lancaster Online: State must boost election security
by Melissa Farr│October 25, 2018
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Everyone Has an Interest in Safe, Secure Elections
by Ray Murphy│August 13, 2018
Washington Observer-Reporter: Legislature needs to address voting systems
by Elizabeth Alex │August 13, 2018
Scranton Times-Tribune: Assure election security
by Ray Murphy │August 12, 2018
Reading Eagle: Audit but also act on election security in Pa
by Ray Murphy │June 21, 2018
PennLive: Scott Wagner is spectacularly wrong about immigrants and voting
by Elizabeth Alex │March 25, 2018
York Dispatch: Funding Needed to Update Equipment
by Elizabeth Alex │March 19, 2018
Philadelphia Inquirer: To ensure fair elections in Pa., keep voting technology up to date
by Susan Carty & Ray Murphy │November 6, 2017
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Let’s make sure our elections are secure: Pennsylvania needs to modernize its voting system. Here’s how ...
by Susan Carty and Ray Murphy │November 5, 2017
Scranton Times-Tribune: Secure elections
by Susan Carty and Ray Murphy │November 4, 2017
Allentown Morning Call: How Pa. can make voting systems better, more secure
by Susan Carty and Ray Murphy │November 3, 2017
York Dispatch: Voter participation, protection vital
By Elizabeth Alex and Sandra Thompson| November 7, 2016
York Dispatch: Rigged conspiracy theory bad for democracy
By Suzanne Almeida | November 1, 2016
TrustTheVote: Yet another report about voting fears & voting system integrity
By Gregory Miller| October 3, 2016
WHYY Philadelphia, Radio Times: Fact checking Trumps’ claims of cheating and voter fraud in Pa.
Guest: Jennifer Clarke, Public Interest Law Center | August 19, 2016
The Morning Call - Op-Ed: What Pa. can do to make it easier for people to vote
By Suzanne Almeida and Mike Roles | July 30, 2106
The Times Tribune - Op-Ed: OK same-day registration
By Editorial Board | February 8, 2016
Herald Standard - Op-Ed: Group praised
By Editorial Board | December 2, 2015
Erie Times - LTE: State election reform needed
By Barry Kauffman | December 2, 2015
Bucks County Courier Times - LTE: Make it easier to be heard
By Sari Stevens| December 2, 2015
The Morning Call - Op-Ed: Reforming election process can improve voter turnout
By Rosemarie Clouston, Marissa Liebling and Archita Taylor | November 20, 2015
Patriot News - Op-Ed: Tired of ho-hum elections? Here's a few easy ways to boost voter turnout
By Susan Carty | November 20, 2015
Philadelphia Inquirer - Op-Ed: Modernize voting in Pa. with commonsense reforms
By Karen C. Buck and Jennifer R. Clarke | November 16, 2015
Patriot News - Op-Ed: Pennsylvania Joins the 21st Century
By Susan Carty | September 11, 2015
Philadelphia Inquirer – Op-Ed: PA Voters Enjoy Benefits of Online Voter Registration
By Rosemarie Clouston, Marissa Liebling and Archita Taylor | September 10, 2015
Delaware County Times - Guest Column: Online Voter Registration Will Boost Turnout at the Polls
By Sundrop Carter | September 10, 2015
Patriot-News – LTE: Pennsylvania moves into the 21st century with online voter registration
By Barry Kaufman | August 28, 2015
American Constitution Society - Blog: Online Voter Registration Makes Voting Easier in Pennsylvania
By Erin Casey | August 28, 2015
In the News
Despite a court battle, Pennsylvania voters can still apply for mail ballots without an excuse WITF | January 31, 2022
Appeals filed with Supreme Court after Pa.’s vote-by-mail statute is ruled unconstitutional by a lower court PennLive | January 28, 2022
Senate Republican’s request for 3 counties’ election records draws quick criticism CNHI News Service | July 8, 2021
Pennsylvania lawmakers may never reach agreement on voting issues, those on both sides say Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | July 5, 2021
As Pa. rewrites voting laws, neither party should get everything it wants PennLive | June 17, 2021
Pennsylvania GOP Election Reform Bill Would Require Voter ID Tribune News Service | June 11, 2021
GOP lawmakers want voter ID mandate in Pa. Constitution; ballot question route chosen to skirt Wolf’s veto pen CNHI News Service | June 11, 2021
Pa. lawmakers to vote on widespread election changes, including curbside voting, ID requirements PennLive | June 10, 2021
Mail-in voting count could delay results in primary CNHI News Service | May 18, 2021
How restrictive are Georgia’s voting laws? Look at your own state NorthJersey.com | May 6, 2021
Key GOP lawmaker eyes photo ID, signature matching as Pa. considers voting changes Spotlight PA | April 20, 2021
Dems, advocates press GOP to wrap up election review CNHI News Service | April 2, 2021
Gov. Tom Wolf nominates Veronica Degraffenreid to head up Pa. Department of State PennLive | March 26, 2021
Election Code proposals trigger debate in Harrisburg as hearing progress Pittsburgh Tribune-Review | March 21, 2021
2020 election spurs raft of bills aimed at changing state’s mail-in voting expansion CNHI News Service | March 21, 2021
Voter registration deadline getting further scrutiny CNHI News Service | March 5, 2021
Senate confirmations could be contentious for Wolf cabinet appointees CNHI News Service | February 15, 2021
Pennsylvania’s voting laws likely to change, but not in a big way
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | February 7, 2021
Everybody wants to change Pennsylvania election law, but mistrust is high
Philadelphia Inquirer | December 31, 2020
Mailed ballots, tight deadlines caused a crunch for Pa. election officials. Now, comes the reckoning.
Spotlight PA | December 15, 2020
Spanish speakers in Pa. faced confused poll workers, lack of interpreters on Election Day
Spotlight PA | November 17, 2020
Upwards of 100,000 provisional ballots in Pa. could further delay a winner being named
Spotlight PA | November 6, 2020
Pa. Election Protection Coalition speak to the rights and wrongs of Election Day
WHTM ABC 27 News | November 4, 2020
Despite long lines and scattered issues, Pa. voter advocates ‘did not see a disaster’
Harrisburg Patriot-News | November 4, 2020
Thousands of volunteers to help Pa. voters, protect against intimidation on Election Day
WHYY | November 2, 2020
York County triples election workers, plans to scan all ballots on Election Day
York Dispatch | October 30, 2020
Mail-in canvassing in Pa. likely to delay election results
Lancaster Online | October 30, 2020
Pennsylvania election coalition outlines resources for voters ahead of Election Day
WHP CBS 21 | October 29, 2020
‘We’ve seen more litigation than ever before;’ Pa. election coalition expects legal challenges through the day
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | October 29, 2020
Worried about Election Day ‘poll watchers’? Here’s what to know.
Harrisburg Patriot-News | October 28, 2020
Pa. Senate GOP advances ‘first pass’ at election fixes. Wolf says talks are ongoing
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | August 25, 2020
Senate GOP leaders unveil election reform proposal but its prospects are unclear (subscription)
The PLS Reporter | August 25, 2020
State election officials urge swift legislative action on voting reforms
PA Post | August 3, 2020
Pa. will pay postage for all mail-in ballots cast in November election
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | July 31, 2020
Governor Wolf announces Pennsylvania will pay postage for every mail-in and absentee ballot
WHTM ABC 27 | July 31, 2020
Lessons from the primary: Pa. Senate panel takes up changes ahead of November election
PA Post | July 23, 2020
Pennsylvania Legislature Considers Voting Reforms Before Next Election
WESA | July 1, 2020
Trump’s attack on mail-in balloting in Pa. is the next step in discrediting the November election
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | July 1, 2020
Our view: Pa. must ready for Nov. 3 vote
Erie Times-News | June 28, 2020
Chaos In Primary Elections Raises Fears For November
NPR | June 15, 2020
Wolf plans to sign bill calling for report on primary election issues
CNHI News Service | June 11, 2020
The Pa. primary wasn’t a disaster. But is showed there’s work to do before November
Philadelphia Inquirer | June 6, 2020
Voting coalition pushing for modernized approach for casting ballots
BRCTV13 | June 4, 2020
Primary was practice game for Pittsburgh-area counties
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | June 4, 2020
Voting rights’ advocates warn of bumpy fall unless Pa. addresses primary day glitches
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | June 3, 2020
Election watchdogs want PA to expand mail-in voting for presidential election
CNHI News Service | June 3, 2020
In communities of color, Pa. primary was marred by irregularities, including voter intimidation, advocates say
Harrisburg Patriot-News | June 3, 2020
After an unprecedented primary, election reform advocates say more needs to be done (subscription)
The PLS Reporter | June 3, 2020
Coronavirus precautions and protests create problems but fail to disrupt Pa.’s primary election
PA Post | June 2, 2020
Amid unrest, curfews and a global pandemic, Pennsylvania prepares to vote
WHYY | June 2, 2020
Primary deadline: Read the fine print
PA Post | June 2, 2020
Pa. lawmakers question Gov. Wolf’s authority to extend mailed ballot deadline in 6 counties
Harrisburg Patriot-News | June 1, 2020
Pa. pushing mail-in voting for June primary
CNHI News Service | April 29, 2020
Pa. on the verge of pushing back its primary to June 2
Harrisburg Patriot-News | March 24, 2020
Pa. House advances bill changing state’s primary date; half of votes cast from outside Harrisburg
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | March 24, 2020
State House poised for possible vote on primary move
CNHI News Service | March 24, 2020
Lawmakers begin debate over election code changes to delay primary due to coronavirus outbreak
PA Post | March 24, 2020
How Pennsylvania could improve voting and elections, according the advocates and experts
Philadelphia Inquirer | December 2, 2019
As election reform heats up, new poll says Pa. overwhelmingly backs ‘no-excuse’ absentee voting
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | October 23, 2019
Bill modernizing Pa. elections would add no-excuse absentee ballots to voting options
Harrisburg Patriot-News | October 22, 2019
Pennsylvania lawmakers mull no-excuse absentee voting as possible answer for low turnouts
The Center Square | September 17, 2019
Lawmakers set election reform agenda: five takeaways
PA Post | September 17, 2019
There’s bipartisan agreement Pa.’s absentee law is broken. Will the Legislature act?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | September 16, 2019
The Interview: He’s rocking the vote
The Caucus | July 30, 2019
Op-Ed: Election reform remains mostly talk, little action at Pennsylvania Capitol
The Center Square | July 20, 2019
Wolf borrows $90 million against economic development dollars to fund voting machines
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | July 9, 2019
Despite GOP Objections, Wolf Moves to Upgrade Voting Machines Unilaterally
WITF | July 9, 2019
Gov. Wolf vetoes bill that tied voting machine funding to end of straight-ticket ballots
Pennsylvania Capital-Star | July 5, 2019
Wolf veto costs counties state funding for voting machines
CNHI News Service | July 5, 2019
Gov. Wolf vetoes bill to help counties pay for required upgrade of voting machines
Harrisburg Patriot-News | July 5, 2019
Bill to move open primary elections represents a ‘promising day for the independent voters across Pa.’
Harrisburg Patriot-News | June 18, 2019
Voting reform proposals swirling at state Capitol
CNHI News Service | June 4, 2019
Pa. lawmakers look to change laws to spur voter participation; 'It is time for voting reform’
Harrisburg Patriot-News | June 4, 2019
Help available for voters who encounter problems at polls
CNHI News Service | October 31, 2018
Supreme Court’s voter roll decision may have limited impact
Associated Press | June 12, 2018
State Wants Voting Machines With Paper Trail Before 2020 Election
CNHI News Service | April 13, 2018
Pa. Says Counties Must Have New Voting Machines - With Paper Trails - For Next Presidential Election
Harrisburg Patriot-News | April 13, 2018
Counties Have Until End Of 2019 To Procure New Voting Machines
City & State| April 13, 2018
VIDEO: Pennsylvania Department of State addresses illegal voting
WMPT-TV 43 (FOX) │November 7, 2017
WIFT's Smart Talk: Are voting reforms needed in PA?
By Scott LaMar | November 23, 2015
Herald Mail Media: Coalition launches Pa. election update campaign
November 19, 2015
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Coalition pushes for voting reforms to get more to the polls in Pennsylvania
November 17, 2015
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: PA good government groups push voting access laws
November 17, 2015
AP: Pennsylvania needs to update its voting laws, advocates say
November 17, 2015
WITF’s Smart Talk: Online voter registration in PA; PA climate change assessment report
August 28, 2015
Associated Press: How Pennsylvania’s New Online Voter Registration System Works
August 27, 2015
WITF: PA Launches Online Voter Registration
August 27, 2015
Beaver County Times: Pennsylvania Online Voter Registration Here as Oct. 5 Deadline Looms
August 27, 2015
Correspondence:
Testimony: Ensuring Safe, Secure, Free & Fair Elections Amid COVID-19
by Ray Murphy | July 23, 2020
Testimony: Senate State Government Committee: Public Hearing on Primary Election Issues Related to the Ongoing COVID-19 Restrictions
by Ray Murphy | April 30, 2020
Department of State Letter and Implementation Considerations
by Keystone Votes Coalition Members | April 7, 2020
Delaying Pennsylvania’s April 28 Primary Election: Details on Amended Legislation (S.B. 422) and Required Administrative Procedures to Guarantee a Safe AND Accessible Primary Election in June
by Ray Murphy | March 24, 2020
Testimony: Senate State Government Committee: Modernizing Pennsylvania’s Election Laws
by Ray Murphy | April 30, 2019
Funding Updates to Pennsylvania’s Election System
by Keystone Votes Coalition | August 13, 2018
Letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on the Need to Invest in Election Modernization and Security in FY 18-19 Budget
by Ray Murphy | June 1, 2018
Letter to the majority and minority chairs of Pennsylvania's state government committees in the House and Senate regarding proposed cuts to the 2017-18 Pennsylvania Department of State budget.
by Keystone Votes Coalition | May 23, 2017
Letter to political parties concerning voter intimidation to national political party leaders
Signed by Keystone Votes, and organized by Election Protection Coalition | August 31, 2016
Reports:
Fourteen nonpartisan organizations ran a coordinated voter registration effort in 2016 that collected 24,996 applications. However, some of these applicants were not added to the voter rolls for weeks or even months after their applications had been submitted. Some were never registered at all.
Leaders from the organizations asked Keystone Votes—a coalition of 41 member organizations dedicated to modernizing elections—to conduct an analysis to determine what happened. Two key problems have been identified:
Voter registration applications processed too late
Voter registration applications potentially lost or unprocessed
At least 26,000 Pennsylvanians were potentially disenfranchised, despite having submitted a valid voter registration application on time. That number could increase if the Department of State or other agencies investigate further. More information in the full report, download here.