Pennsylvania Democrats Poised to Pursue State Election Law Changes

Pennsylvania Democrats hold full control of the state government for the first time in decades following the November 2026 election, setting the stage for major revisions to state election law.

For years, a split legislature in Harrisburg meant lawmakers could rarely reach a consensus on voting rules. Now, with Democrats running the Senate, House, and governor’s office, lawmakers are poised to pursue changes that have stalled for years, Spotlight PA reported.

“There were two things on the ballot last Tuesday: the economy and democracy,” said Democratic state Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El. “So I think elections are going to be a top priority.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks after winning reelection, Democratic trifecta — CBS Philadelphia

Top Democrats are still finalizing their legislative package.

State House Speaker Joanna McClinton previously introduced a bill concerning issues such as precanvassing.

Democrats tout legislative trifecta win after flipping PA Senate, expanding hold in state House — WJACTV

County election directors have distinct priorities focused on efficiency, centered around a platform adopted over the summer by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. A primary goal is securing additional time to precanvass mail ballots.

State law currently prohibits counties from opening mail ballot envelopes before Election Day, straining local resources and delaying results, much like the logistical challenges seen during the 2020 election. Election officials argue that without early processing time, processing strain increases the risk of Election Day errors.

Pennsylvania state capitol building in harrisburg pennsylvania eldon mcgraw

“Funding is always an issue as we add more and more service, like on-demand voting,” said Laura Anna, the Venango County election director. “You end up needing more manpower, and obviously [upgrading] aging equipment.”

Mercer County election director Thad Hall said that any new mandates, such as daily drop box collections, must account for the limited staff in many rural county offices. Hall pointed out that 29 Pennsylvania counties operate with two or fewer full-time election staffers.

Democrats in Pennsylvania achieve trifecta for 1st time in 33 years — CBS Philadelphia

Beyond early voting, Democrats have expressed support for opening primary elections to unaffiliated voters and permitting eligible citizens to register on Election Day. Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa also indicated an interest in allowing young people who turn 18 by Election Day to preregister.

“[These] are a host of things that I think have broad support among the people of Pennsylvania and that we should be able to move expeditiously here in a new session,” Kenyatta told Spotlight PA.

Unlike past legislative sessions, where Republicans conditioned any voting reforms on enacting stricter voter ID rules, the new Democratic majority makes such partisan bargaining chips unnecessary. With unified control in place, lawmakers are expected to begin advancing these legislative proposals when the new session convenes.