Resolution 130131

..Title Supporting House Bill 548, known as the Voter Freedom and Integrity Act, which would allow early voting in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. ..Body WHEREAS, On February 6, 2013, State Representative Michael H. Schlossberg of the 132nd Legislative District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Lehigh County, introduced House Bill 548, with thirty-three co sponsors, which would provide for early voting for citizens in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, This legislation would require that polling places to be open across the Commonwealth for one week prior to Election Day; and WHEREAS, Under this legislation early voting would take place between the hours of 7 am and 8pm each weekday and 1pm and 5pm on the weekends during the early voting period; and WHEREAS, House Bill 548 would require each elector to complete a voter certificate and shall present to an election officer; and WHEREAS, Under House Bill 548, absentee ballot eligibility will be extended to include the early voting period; and WHEREAS, Each polling place would be required to submit a detailed report of security procedures to secure the ballots prior to the early voting period; and WHEREAS, House Bill 548 seeks to ensure citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have the freedom to exercise their right to vote; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby support and call for the passage of House Bill 548, known as the Voter Freedom and Integrity Act, which would allow early voting in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk shall forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Majority and Minority Chairs of the Pennsylvania Committee on State Government and to all members of the House delegation representing the City of Philadelphia as evidence of this Council's support of this legislation. ..End