Protecting Democracy and Elections
News & Video
Sen. Collett Challenges Election Misinformation
Sen. Collett Pushes Back Against Voter Disinformation
Senator Collett Pushes for Open Primaries in PA
Harrisburg, Pa. - April 27, 2023 — On Wednesday, Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery) joined Senators Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton) and Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) in support of bipartisan legislation to establish open primaries in Pennsylvania, Senate Bill 400. During...
Sen. Collett Opposes SB106 Attack on Abortion & Voting Rights
Statement: 16 Democratic State Senators Denounce Frivolous Election Lawsuits and Continued Attempts to Undermine our Democracy
HARRISBURG – December 10, 2020 – Today the following members of the Pennsylvania State Senate signed a joint statement – set forth below – denouncing the brazen attempt of the attorneys general of Texas and seventeen other states to disenfranchise millions...
Senator Collett Reacts to Senate Republicans “Public Hearing on Election Issues” with Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani
Harrisburg, Pa. - November 25, 2020 — Today, the Pennsylvania Senate Republican Policy Committee, at the urging of Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33 Adams/Cumberland/Franklin/York) in collaboration with Donald Trump and Trump campaign attorney Rudy Giuliani, held a public...
As citizens, our vote is our most important asset.
Here in the Commonwealth, our elections are safe and secure. However, right-wing extremists have continuously tried to undermine voters by spreading misinformation, challenging legitimate results, and refusing to make commonsense election reforms that county officials have asked for. My Senate Democratic Caucus colleagues and I will never stop fighting to protect our democracy, safeguard our elections, and make sure every eligible voter has access to the ballot.
Making Polls Accessible
Every eligible voter in Pennsylvania has a right to make their voice heard at the polls. We must make sure voting is accessible for all of us by protecting no-excuse mail in voting and secure ballot drop boxes, standing against onerous voter ID proposals, keeping the Automatic Voter Registration program in place, and more.
Learn more about our goals in the PA Senate Democratic Caucus to make voting more accessible.
Repealing Closed Primaries
Pennsylvania is one of ten states that has fully closed primary elections, meaning only registered Democratic or Republican voters can cast their ballots in primary elections. When we deny so many Independent and third-party Pennsylvanians the ability to vote simply because of their party affiliation, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to have a truly representative and responsive government. I am continuing to fight in Harrisburg for open primary elections to ensure our electoral system is equitable and accessible for every qualified Pennsylvania voter
Dispelling Election Misinformation
False narratives surrounding our elections and Republican voter suppression efforts have to be met with strong opposition. Just because an election is close does not mean it is illegitimate. On the contrary, it highlights that in a democracy, every single vote makes a difference, and the voters – not politicians or judges – have the final word.
Here, in Pennsylvania, your vote is protected, and your vote matters. I will always stand up against rumors and lies about our elections, about this country, and about our fellow Pennsylvanians.
Questions about how to make your voice heard at the ballot box? We can help!
Legislation
I am proud to have introduced and cosponsored legislation that would ensure our elections are safe, secure, and accessible here in the Commonwealth.
The following bills are proposed bills that have been formally introduced for the 2025-2026 Senate Session.
Young Voter Preregistration
Senate Bill 448
Collett
This bill would boost civic engagement by allowing teens who are otherwise qualified under Title 25, §1301 (Qualification to register) and who are at least 16 years of age to preregister to vote and then be automatically registered when they turn 18 or on a date in advance of the next election when they will be 18 years of age.
Updating the Poll Worker Oath in the Election Code
Senate Bill 555
Kane/Comitta
This bill would modernize the oath that Pennsylvania poll workers take by adding gender neutral language and removing references to outdated electoral method.
Check back for updates on legislation as we head into the 2025-2026 legislative session.