Rep. DiGirolamo To Introduce Voting-Machines Bill

HARRISBURG, PA — Bensalem state Rep. Gene DiGirolamo has announced plans to introduce a bill that would help counties pay for new voting machines and extend absentee voting.

Announced Monday, the legislation would float up to $90 million in state bonds to reimburse counties for the cost of replacing old voting machines. DiGirolamo — a Republican who is running for county commission — says that's about 60% of what counties are expected to pay for the machines.

"Our counties are in the midst of replacing voting machines," DiGirolamo said. "They are working diligently, within a short time frame, to make the right choices for their respective voters. This is a costly endeavor, and we must take steps to provide needed funding. In addition, we need to remove barriers that prevent people from exercising their right to vote."

The bill also would extend the period during which absentee ballots can be counted. Under it, ballots postmarked by the Friday before an election would be counted if they arrive by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday after election day.

DiGirolamo said Monday he plans to introduce the legislation after allowing colleagues a chance to review and possibly co-sponsor it.