HARRISBURG, April 5 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., is again seeking support for legislation that would seek to remedy structural flaws in the nomination process for special elections, notoriously known for low voter turnouts.
According to Rabb, the requirement for candidates to adhere to their political party’s process impedes prospective candidates from attempting to run in special elections. Originally introduced during his first term in office, the bill would standardize the nomination process by requiring people interested in becoming a candidate in a special election to:
• File their candidacy with the political party within each county of the legislative district.
• Pay a $250 filing fee.
• Prepare, or opt-out of preparing, a short video announcing their candidacy, which would be posted on the website of the PA Department of State and the county party with which the candidate is affiliated.
“This legislation would establish transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the special election process,” Rabb said.
The legislation will also require political parties to publicize and hold a meeting accessible to any eligible voter in the special election whether in person or remotely, with the majority of eligible committee people present, to consider each individual who seeks consideration as a candidate in a special election.
