Montco GOP Says Ballot Question Language Is Biased
Echoing Republicans across Pennsylvania, the Montgomery County Republican Committee (MCRC) tweeted its objection to language that will appear on two ballot question that decide on, when they go to polls for the May 18 Primary.
Gov Wolf will not allow the unilateral emergency powers he's abused over the past year go away quietly- his admin is now drafting the ballot question w/biased language meant to scare voters into voting no. When you vote in this upcoming primary, don't fall for the hype- Vote YES! https://t.co/N0aDMF18EU
— MontCo GOP (@MontcoPaGOP) February 24, 2021
From the website of Pennsylvania Senate GOP
PA Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-34)
“The ballot language for consideration by the voters is written in a way that shows the Wolf Administration wants these measures to fail. Contrary to how the questions read, the General Assembly will not be able to act unilaterally. We will have to work in concert with the Executive Branch in order for policies to be passed. It also alleges checks and balances will be lost. Let me be clear – there are no checks and balances right now. We have totalitarian power ruling many aspects of our lives including the openings of employers and our schools.
“The questions are written in a way to scare voters away. But I trust the voters of Pennsylvania. We are going to take the questions to them and give them the background. We are going to work to educate our constituents on why – no matter how it is worded – this referendum needs to pass. We will provide voters with the information to make an intelligent decision. I’m confident that once the people learn the real initiative behind the amendment they will vote ‘yes’ in order to restore checks and balances back to Pennsylvania.”
House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-100)
“Every Pennsylvanian is already questioning the competency and credibility of the Department of State when it comes to processing constitutional amendments. This question as written by the Department is an attempt to tip the scales against the people’s right to control their own Constitution and government.
“This is yet another disgraceful action by a department that needs to take very deliberate steps to earn back the public’s trust.
“However, the department is not accounting for the will of the people. I am confident Pennsylvanians will see this maneuver for what it is, and strongly support a move to limit the power of the executive and restore the voices of the people in times of emergencies.”
From the website of Pennsylvania Senate GOP
PA Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-34)
“The ballot language for consideration by the voters is written in a way that shows the Wolf Administration wants these measures to fail. Contrary to how the questions read, the General Assembly will not be able to act unilaterally. We will have to work in concert with the Executive Branch in order for policies to be passed. It also alleges checks and balances will be lost. Let me be clear – there are no checks and balances right now. We have totalitarian power ruling many aspects of our lives including the openings of employers and our schools.
“The questions are written in a way to scare voters away. But I trust the voters of Pennsylvania. We are going to take the questions to them and give them the background. We are going to work to educate our constituents on why – no matter how it is worded – this referendum needs to pass. We will provide voters with the information to make an intelligent decision. I’m confident that once the people learn the real initiative behind the amendment they will vote ‘yes’ in order to restore checks and balances back to Pennsylvania.”
House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-100)
“Every Pennsylvanian is already questioning the competency and credibility of the Department of State when it comes to processing constitutional amendments. This question as written by the Department is an attempt to tip the scales against the people’s right to control their own Constitution and government.
“This is yet another disgraceful action by a department that needs to take very deliberate steps to earn back the public’s trust.
“However, the department is not accounting for the will of the people. I am confident Pennsylvanians will see this maneuver for what it is, and strongly support a move to limit the power of the executive and restore the voices of the people in times of emergencies.”
Lyndsay Kensinger, Wolf’s spokeswoman said that the language “fairly, accurately and clearly apprise the voter of the issue to be voted on.”
PA GOP objects to the language of these ballot questions
“Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law and increase the power of the General Assembly to unilaterally terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration—and the powers of Commonwealth agencies to address the disaster regardless of its severity pursuant to that declaration—through passing a concurrent resolution by simple majority, thereby removing the existing check and balance of presenting a resolution to the Governor for approval or disapproval?”
Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law so that: a disaster emergency declaration will expire automatically after 21 days, regardless of the severity of the emergency, unless the General Assembly takes action to extend the disaster emergency; the Governor may not declare a new disaster emergency to respond to the dangers facing the Commonwealth unless the General Assembly passes a concurrent resolution; the General Assembly enacts new laws for disaster management?