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Headline Harrisburg
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Wednesday, April 24, 2024
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Reducing the Role Schools Play in the Election Process
I recently introduced legislation that would minimize the role school buildings play in the election process. House Bill 2137 is currently being circulated for co-sponsors in the House.
I am well aware of the teaching opportunity we have if we allow schools to serve as polling places and expose students to the democratic process. While educating future generations is important, the times in which we live are forcing us to place a priority on public safety and my bill attempts to do that.
House Bill 2137 would require counties to prioritize public buildings other than school buildings when potential polling place sites are evaluated.
Under my legislation, county boards of election could only select school buildings to serve as polling places as an extreme last resort. School buildings can provide easy access for the voters, but most precincts have sufficient alternatives within their boundaries.
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Election Deadlines
Pennsylvania’s General Primary Election will be held Tuesday, May 15. If you want to vote that day, there are some important milestones you need to remember.
- Monday, April 16 - Last day to register to vote in the primary.
- Tuesday, May 8 - Final day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot.
- Friday, May 11 - Last day for the Northampton County Board of Elections to receive voted civilian absentee ballots.
Looking ahead, the General Election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 6.
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The Debate Over Redistricting
Have you answered my online survey about redistricting?
A number of people have contacted me concerning support of House Bill 722, legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution by establishing an Independent Redistricting Commission to provide a nonpartisan process for redistricting of state Senate, state House and Congressional districts. I am on record as saying I would vote for the bill if it crosses my desk.
The commission shall consist of 11 members- four who are registered with the largest political party in Pennsylvania based on registration, four who are registered with the second-largest political party in Pennsylvania based on registration and three who are not registered with either of the two largest political parties in Pennsylvania based on registration. Each member would have to meet certain qualifications dealing with voting record and relationships with political office holders (please click here for a further description of the bill).
To amend the constitution, the bill would have to pass in two consecutive sessions and then be placed on the ballot statewide. I would like your opinion on this legislation, as the survey will conclude at the end of this month.
Please click here to weigh in on House Bill 722 and the issue of redistricting if you have not done so already.
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REAL ID Update: Did You Get Your First License Before 2003?
If you want to get a REAL ID beginning next year, PennDOT may already have some of your information on file for more efficient processing.
Earlier this month, PennDOT began sending postcards to eligible customers (those who received their first driver license or ID card after September 2003) inviting them to visit PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website to request that PennDOT confirm their documents are on file.
Once a customer has completed the pre-verification application process, PennDOT staff will review the customer’s record and verify which documents are on file. The customer will receive follow-up communication from PennDOT regarding the status of their application. Customers are not pre-verified until they have completed the online pre-verification process and received confirmation from PennDOT that all documents are on file.
If they are, PennDOT will mark the customer’s record as “verified,” and after REAL ID products are available in spring 2019, the customer can opt into the REAL ID program online, pay the one-time $30 fee, plus their renewal fee (the REAL ID product will include any time left on the current license plus the period of renewal) and their REAL ID product will be sent through the mail, eliminating any need for this customer to visit a Driver License Center.
Under Pennsylvania law, residents may choose whether or not to obtain REAL ID from the Commonwealth. Under federal law, people with a need to access certain federal facilities or fly domestically will need a REAL ID or other compliant form of identification, such as a passport. Pennsylvania residents may still use their current driver license and ID through Oct. 10, 2018. (Additional extensions through 2019 are expected.)
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Agriculture was the topic Wednesday as I met at the state Capitol with Penn State Extension Advocates (from left) Ray Mack, Matt Werkheiser, and Jennifer Massaro.
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Recognizing Our Future Leaders
Congratulations to Andrew Sottilare, whose Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held Saturday at Nancy Run Fire Company.
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If you want to get to work on time…..
Please click here for a countywide list of road projects for next week.
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| Office Locations |
| PO Box 202138, Room 402A, Irvis Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2138 | (717) 783-8573 |
| 196 W. Moorestown Road, Wind Gap, PA 18091 | (610) 746-2100 |
| Email: [email protected] |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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