Screen shot of Gov. Tom Wolf, right, at a recent online press conference.
Pennsylvania has officially moved its primary election up by about five weeks, as the state tries to reduce public contact due to the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency.
Today, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill for a new election date of June 2, up from the original date of April 28.
“Delaying this year’s primary election as several other states have done is in the best interests of voters, poll workers and county election officials,” Wolf said. “I commend the General Assembly for acting quickly on this critical legislation. The Department of State will continue to work with local election officials to ensure Pennsylvania has a fair and accessible election.”
Voters also have the option to vote by mail rather than going to a polling place.
According to the state, more than 215,000 registered voters have signed up for either a mail-in or absentee ballot, with nearly 78 percent using the new online application. Those voters do not need to file new applications despite the change in primary date, Wolf’s office said today.
Wolf signed another bill waiving the 180-day requirement for schools to be in session. Most schools have been out for two weeks, and the state recently pushed up the closure order until “at least” April 6.
Wolf also signed a bill that provides $50 million for the state to purchase medical equipment and supplies for hospitals, nursing facilities and emergency medical services to meet the needs of patients and staff.
“This funding will allow Pennsylvania to get more beds, ventilators and other personal protective equipment that our health care system needs for a surge in patients,” Wolf said, in a statement. “The state and our health care system are mobilizing as fast as possible to provide medical workers with the equipment they need to care for patients.”
