Purpose and Tasks

Governor Edward G. Rendell has established the Pennsylvania Election Reform Task Force to complete the following tasks and present recommendations in a final report by May 1, 2005:

• Examine options and make recommendations for changing the date of the Primary Election, including legislative changes, and timelines necessary to achieve the recommended changes.
  
  
• Review all absentee voting statutes, regulations, and county practices and recommend legislative or regulatory actions appropriate to improve access to the election process for individuals who cannot get to a polling place on Election Day.
  
  
• Review all absentee voting statutes, regulations, and county practices and recommend legislative or regulatory actions necessary to ensure the ability to participate in elections by those subject to the requirements of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
  
  
• Examine options and make recommendations to increase voter participation, including, but not limited to, early voting, voting by mail, and/or other similar system reforms, while ensuring the privacy and security of all ballots cast.
  
  
• Make recommendations to address specific deficiencies at the state or county level with respect to compliance with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
  
  
• Examine other voting reforms such as methods for apportioning electoral votes.