Jun. 02, 2020
HARRISBURG – House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) issues the following statement in response to last-minute changes to the primary election mail-in ballot deadlines:
“The right to free and fair elections is the cornerstone of our democracy. Any infringement on this right risks eroding the trust all people give to us as elected leaders.
“Gov. Tom Wolf’s 11th hour change to election procedures raises serious questions about the executive branch’s usurpation of powers left to the Legislature, particularly those governing elections in Pennsylvania. Given the highly unique and unprecedented present circumstances, the House Republican Caucus recognizes certain steps are being taken in the interest of public safety.
“However, we disagree with this unilateral last-minute change, especially in light of the state Supreme Court twice rejecting efforts to move the received-by deadline for mail-in and absentee ballots.
“The historic election reforms passed last year with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed into law by Gov. Wolf will make the 2020 elections the most accessible, fair and accurate election in our state’s history.
“We will continue protecting the rights of all voters and will reject and fight back against any effort to disenfranchise Pennsylvania voters. The right of the people of Pennsylvania, working through the General Assembly, to pass laws remains equally important to maintaining a representative democracy, and we will continue to fight for this right.”
Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives