HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of State has introduced redesigned provisional ballot envelopes aimed at improving clarity for voters and reducing ballot rejections in future elections.
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced the update on Monday, emphasizing that the redesign is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen election security and accessibility statewide. In the 2024 general election, nearly 30% of provisional ballots were rejected, with incomplete envelopes cited as a major factor.
The new envelope design highlights critical fields for voters, clearly marks signature sections, and simplifies instructions to minimize errors. It also provides a more straightforward process for election workers, helping ensure ballots are properly processed.
Feedback from election officials in multiple counties, including Philadelphia, Berks, Butler, Mercer, and Greene, was instrumental in shaping the final design. Officials believe the changes will mirror the success of the state’s 2023 mail ballot redesign, which led to a significant drop in ballot rejections the following year.
Philadelphia City Commissioner Omar Sabir called the redesign a key step in ensuring that every eligible vote is counted, while Commissioner Seth Bluestein noted that even small design improvements can have a major impact on voter participation.
Counties are expected to use the new envelopes starting with the 2025 general election. To help offset transition costs, the Department of State is offering grant funding to counties that adopt the updated materials.
The redesign reflects Pennsylvania’s broader commitment to making voting more accessible and reliable, aiming to empower voters and build public confidence in election processes.
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