In an effort to make Pennsylvania election days a more pleasant experience for voters, Rep. John McGinnis (R-Blair) has introduced legislation that would expand the electioneering-free zone at polling places.
House Bill 1589 would extend the area at the polls where electioneering is prohibited from 10 feet to 100 feet. Currently, Pennsylvania is one of only four states with an electioneering-free zone of less than 50 feet. Thirty-seven states have zones that are at least 100 feet.
The aim of my proposal is to have voters less put upon and disturbed as they engage in their civic duty,” said McGinnis. “While I am appreciative of the efforts and intentions of those who work polling places on behalf of candidates and issues, I do feel voters deserve an unthreatening and unobstructed path to the voting booth on Election Day.”
House Bill 1589 has been referred to the House State Government Committee for review.