Pennsylvania Sees Significant Drop in Provisional Ballot Rejections After Envelope Redesign
A new study has revealed that counties using redesigned provisional ballot envelopes in 2025 saw a notable decrease in rejection rates, with the rate dropping by 11.3% compared to last year. The updated envelopes feature clearer labels and instructions, making it easier for voters to understand where they need to sign and which fields belong to them.
According to Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, the changes have led to an increase in valid votes being cast. "Our goal remains ensuring every registered voter in our Commonwealth can cast their vote and have it counted in every election," he said. "As with the changes to mail ballot materials two years ago, these improvements resulted in more registered voters being able to make their voices heard in November's election."
The redesign was made possible by a collaborative effort between 85% of counties, who adopted the new look for their provisional ballots. Philadelphia, Berks, Butler, Mercer, and Greene were among those that worked closely with the state to craft the redesigned envelopes.
Omar Sabir, chair of the Philadelphia City Commissioners, attributed the significant drop in rejection rates to thoughtful design. "The purpose in leading the redesign effort was to reduce errors and have more votes counted, which is exactly what we achieved," he said.
However, nine counties opted out of the new design, citing various reasons such as printing errors or lack of resources. Chester County's omission of third-party and independent voters from its pollbook also had an impact on the overall rejection rate.
The study adjusted for voter turnout to provide a more accurate picture of the impact of the redesign. With over 7 million Pennsylvanians voting in 2024, compared to 3.6 million in the 2025 off-year election, the drop in rejection rates is particularly significant.
A new study has revealed that counties using redesigned provisional ballot envelopes in 2025 saw a notable decrease in rejection rates, with the rate dropping by 11.3% compared to last year. The updated envelopes feature clearer labels and instructions, making it easier for voters to understand where they need to sign and which fields belong to them.
According to Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, the changes have led to an increase in valid votes being cast. "Our goal remains ensuring every registered voter in our Commonwealth can cast their vote and have it counted in every election," he said. "As with the changes to mail ballot materials two years ago, these improvements resulted in more registered voters being able to make their voices heard in November's election."
The redesign was made possible by a collaborative effort between 85% of counties, who adopted the new look for their provisional ballots. Philadelphia, Berks, Butler, Mercer, and Greene were among those that worked closely with the state to craft the redesigned envelopes.
Omar Sabir, chair of the Philadelphia City Commissioners, attributed the significant drop in rejection rates to thoughtful design. "The purpose in leading the redesign effort was to reduce errors and have more votes counted, which is exactly what we achieved," he said.
However, nine counties opted out of the new design, citing various reasons such as printing errors or lack of resources. Chester County's omission of third-party and independent voters from its pollbook also had an impact on the overall rejection rate.
The study adjusted for voter turnout to provide a more accurate picture of the impact of the redesign. With over 7 million Pennsylvanians voting in 2024, compared to 3.6 million in the 2025 off-year election, the drop in rejection rates is particularly significant.
I think it's awesome that counties were able to work together and make changes to their provisional ballot envelopes to help more people cast their votes without any issues 
. Clearer labels and instructions are a big deal - it makes sense that voters would be confused if they're not sure where to sign or what fields belong to them 
. I'm glad the state is listening to feedback from local officials like Omar Sabir, who clearly thinks thoughtful design can make a huge difference 
. But yeah, some counties opting out of the redesign does seem kinda random... what's the deal with Chester County skipping third-party voters altogether? 
THE FACT THAT PENNSYLVANIA SEES A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN PROVISIONAL BALLOT REJECTIONS AFTER THE ENVELOPE REDesign IS JUST AMAZING!!! IT TALKS ABOUT HOW SIMPLE CHANGES LIKE CLEARER LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS CAN MAKE SUCH A BIG DIFFERENCE IN ENSURING VOTERS CAN CAST THEIR VOTES WITHOUT ANY ISSUES!!! 
I HOPE THIS SETS A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER STATES TO FOLLOW AND MAKES VOTING MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE!!! 
The study adjusting for voter turnout makes even more sense too, because it's not just about the numbers but also about every single vote counting.
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It's not surprising that some counties couldn't make the switch, though... printing errors can be a real pain 
. But overall, this is a huge win for democracy and making sure everyone's voice is heard! 
! The new provisional ballot envelope design made a huge impact on voter turnout in PA 
. I mean, we're talkin' 11.3% drop in rejections, that's crazy! 
According to the study, counties with the new design saw a big increase in valid votes cast 
. But for those who didn't adapt, like Chester County, it shows how important it is to stay up-to-date and informed 
my friend in philly told me she had to ask her mom how to fill out her ballot at first because of the new labels 
It's crazy that nine counties didn't join the party, though. Can't believe Chester County left out third-party voters... like, what even is the point of having an election if everyone isn't allowed to participate? 
That's just lazy. Anyway, it's great to see something working like this and more people getting to have their say in the election.