Pennsylvania's House of Representatives approved a bill to allow processing of mail-in ballots before Election Day, supported by Democrats but opposed by Republicans.
Key Points
Counties have sought the provision for years to give them more time to process mail-in ballots.
Nearly every state allows time before Election Day for processing mail-in ballots.
The surge in mail-in ballots in 2020 spotlighted the need for changes in Pennsylvania's process.
Pros
Counties can begin processing mail-in ballots up to seven days before Election Day.
The bill aims to help manage huge influxes of mail-in ballots and avoid a repeat of the 2020 election.
The bill is supported by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.
Cons
The bill faces long odds in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Republicans warn that the bill could open the door to fraud.
GOP Majority Leader insists on toughening voter identification requirements as a companion to the bill.