Details on the Constitutional Amendment Process

- Constitutional amendments return the power to the people. 
- If passed in identical form during two consecutive legislative sessions, the people will decide the fate of these amendments via a voter referendum.
- The people hold the right to decide how they are governed.
- Constitutional amendments cannot be stopped by an executive veto.


The Constitutional Amendments Included in Senate Bill 106


1. Party’s Nominee for Governor Selects the Lieutenant Governor

• Establishes unity between the governor and lieutenant governor, thereby strengthens the ticket for both parties.
• Instills public trust for the executive branch and avoids ideological division and friction.
• This constitutional amendment was previously passed with bi-partisan support during the 2019-20 Legislative Session. If passed this session, it would be placed on the ballot for voters to decide.


2. Asserting Legislative Authority to Disapprove Regulations
• Solidifies checks and balances and strengthening citizens’ voices.
• No branch of government should have unchecked authority.
• Ensures that no administration has the authority to issue regulations against the voice of the people.


3. Abortion Constitutional Clarification 

• Neither the U.S. nor PA constitutions provide a right to an abortion or require that taxpayer funds be used towards abortion.
• The proposal does not change current law whatsoever - contrary to lots of fear-mongering talking points distributed on this action.
• The amendment would simply protect the status quo in Pennsylvania - that it is up to the people through their state legislators, not the courts, to decide how best to regulate abortion.


4. Requiring Voter Identification at Elections 

• Election fraud is a proven concern, and enhancing voter identification requirements helps prevent illegal votes from being cast.
• Poll after poll has demonstrated that requiring voter identification is supported across party lines and by most Pennsylvanians.
• Identification cards are easily obtainable by all Pennsylvanians and required to access government services and the purchase of goods and services. 


5. Auditor General Must Conduct Election Audits 

• The auditing of elections became a major issue to demonstrating confidence in election results.
• Current election audits lack transparency and are difficult to understand.
• It makes sense that election audits be performed by Pennsylvania’s chief auditor, who already applies standard auditing practices to promote good government and instill constituent confidence.