Ortitay bill would help staff polls
Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-South Fayette Township, has introduced legislation to permit public employees to serve as election officers in the commonwealth. Currently, the state constitution prohibits public employees from serving in this capacity.
Over the last few decades, fewer people have run to become elections officers, often requiring counties to fill positions by appointment in order to keep polls open and properly staffed. Ortitay’s bill is a result of a recent meeting with Washington County Assistant Elections Director Wes Perry, who indicated that last year, the county had to appoint half of its more than 800 elections office positions.
Ortitay’s legislation is a joint resolution to amend the Constitution of Pennsylvania, which requires approval in two consecutive sessions, as well as a voter referendum.