HARRISBURG – Pennsylvanians could play a more prominent role in future Presidential primary elections under a bill that was recently approved by the Senate, according to Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33), who supported the measure.
Senate Bill 779 would move up the date of the primary in Presidential election years from the fourth Tuesday in April to the third Tuesday in March. This would allow voters in Pennsylvania to cast their ballots the same day as other influential states, including Arizona, Florida and Illinois.
“A large state like Pennsylvania should play a meaningful role in this process,” said Mastriano. “Over the years, most Presidential primary elections have already been decided before Pennsylvania voters had an opportunity to cast their ballots in late April. This piece of legislation represents an important electoral reform initiative, and it is way overdue.”
The bill would not take effect until the 2024 election, and election dates would not change in non-Presidential years.
The bill would not break any rules set forth by the Democratic National Committee or the Republican National Committee.
Senate Bill 779 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Scot Pitzer, 717-787-4651 spitzer@pasen.gov