A group of state lawmakers wants to discourage the commonwealth’s electoral college delegation from changing their vote

A group of state lawmakers wants to discourage the commonwealth’s electoral college delegation from changing their vote

By Sam Dunklau, WITF

October 1, 2020

Two Democratic state lawmakers want to punish any Pennsylvania electoral college member who votes contrary to the popular vote in the presidential election.

They’re what’s known as faithless electors, and they’re being discussed because Pennsylvania’s election results might be delayed.

If there’s no clear winner by the time electors must cast their ballots in December, some say the legislature could choose different electoral college reps.

Democrats like Representative Kevin Boyle of Philadelphia say they are worried the GOP-controlled legislature will appoint electors faithful to the party instead of the vote.

“It’s an open-ended question as to whether or not they will proceed in that manner when, I believe, Joe Biden will win Pennsylvania.”

The law isn’t clear on that, and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman of Centre County insists that will not happen.

The measure by Boyle and others would punish any faithless elector by invalidating their vote, removing them from the delegation and fining them 1,000 dollars.

The legislation has yet to be introduced.

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