Pa. legislators advance 2 election reform bills. Here's what they would, wouldn't change

Erie News Now reports on election reform bills pending in Pennsylvania - among them, a bill which would allow independent, unaffiliated voters to cast ballots in Pennsylvania's primary elections.

Nick Troiano of Voters First Pennsylvania, a project of Unite America, praised the committee vote, calling it a "no-brainer" because it will "expand voter participation, engage more independent voters, especially young people, and strengthen our democracy."

“Opening Pennsylvania’s primaries is a critical step toward giving all registered voters a voice in every election," he said. "It is long overdue that Pennsylvania stop disenfranchising the 1.3 million Pennsylvanians who wish to remain independent.

“Polling shows that the people of Pennsylvania — Republican, Democrats, and independents — overwhelmingly support allowing independent voters to take part in primary elections.

A similar measure in the Senate - SB 400- has bipartisan backing. Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh) are that bill's main sponsors.