Session: 2023–2024
ACLU-PA Position: Supports
HB 1488 (PN 1772) would amend the Pennsylvania Election Code to require that ballot questions be submitted to voters only during a general election and only every two years when there is a presidential or gubernatorial election.
Our state constitution is the foundation for our entire system of state government and enumerates our most fundamental rights as Pennsylvania residents. Amending the PA Constitution is an important process that ultimately requires approval by the voters in the form of a ballot question. Currently, ballot questions can be submitted to voters during any election, even those with historically low turnout like a municipal primary election. This means that only a small percentage of voters decide whether or not to change our state’s most fundamental document.
HB 1488 would ensure that ballot questions are submitted to and decided by as many eligible voters as possible, which means more Pennsylvanians have a say in amending our state constitution.
Check the bill's status here.
