Conklin bill to provide quicker election returns advances through House

Rep. Scott Conklin June 9, 2026 | 3:32 PM

HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, legislation (H.B. 37) sponsored by state Rep. Scott Conklin, advanced through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a 103-99 vote.

The legislation would allow counties to pre-canvass mail-in and absentee ballots up to a full week before Election Day, allowing for quicker election results and ensuring election workers have proper time to address large quantities of mail-in ballots. Pre-canvassing does not include recording or publishing votes.

Under current law, pre-canvassing of mail-in and absentee ballots cannot begin until 7 a.m. on Election Day.

“As mail-in balloting continues to grow in popularity, we need to do right by our voters and by our election workers,” Conklin said. “Allowing more time to count mail-in and absentee ballots will significantly reduce delays in election returns, delays that can lead to voter suspicion and unfounded conspiracies. This bill will go a long way toward upholding public trust in the Commonwealth’s elections.”

H.B. 37 now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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