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Pennsylvania has introduced redesigned provisional ballot envelopes to improve voting accuracy and reduce the number of rejected ballots. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced the changes, which include clearer instructions and highlighted signature fields, during a press conference in Philadelphia. These updates aim to ensure that every registered voter can effectively cast their vote.
The redesign was developed with feedback from election officials in Philadelphia, Berks, Butler, Mercer, and Greene counties, who identified incomplete forms as a major issue leading to ballot rejections. In the November 2024 general election, 29.12% of provisional ballots were rejected, often due to unregistered voters or incomplete envelope information. The new design is expected to be used in the 2025 general election.
The state is offering grants to counties that adopt the new envelopes to help cover replacement costs. According to Times Leader, the envelopes now feature a layout that clearly instructs voters on which fields to fill out and highlights where signatures are required. This update follows the successful redesign of mail ballot materials in 2023, which led to a 57% reduction in mail ballot rejections.
Philadelphia City Commissioner Omar Sabir emphasized the importance of these changes, stating that they simplify the voting process and ensure every eligible vote is counted. For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, voters can call 1-877-VOTESPA or visit the state's voting website.