Pennsylvania Implements Redesigned Ballot Envelopes to Prevent Voter Errors

The Pennsylvania Department of State has introduced changes to the ballot envelopes for the 2024 primary in an effort to reduce voter errors and ensure more votes are counted. The new envelope language and formatting aim to address common mistakes such as undated or incorrectly dated mail ballots. The changes include simpler language, shading for signature and date placement, and a prompt for voters to write in the date with a prefilled "20" at the start of the year. Additionally, counties may change the color of the secrecy envelope and add a watermark for differentiation. The modifications were developed in consultation with the Center for Civic Design and tested with real voters. Rejected mail ballots, often due to small errors, have accounted for a small percentage of votes but have the potential to impact election outcomes.