Among the changes included in the bill is the elimination of straight party line voting. Governor Wolf vetoed a bill with that language earlier this year, but believes that overall, the new bill “is a compromise and a reasonable step forward towards improving our antiquated voting laws.”
But Kevin Boyle of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, the ranking Democrat on the House State Government Committee, says eliminating straight ticket voting would disenfranchise minority voters.
"I think, frankly, it’s a betrayal from Gov. Wolf of Democratic constituencies, and I’m highly disappointed in the governor," he said.
But two Democrats on the committee voted for the bill, including one who believes a provision allowing voting by mail for any reason would offset concerns caused by the elimination of straight ticket voting.
The bill would also move the deadline to register to vote from 30 days to 15 days before an election.