North Lancaster News

Jan 3, 2024

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Representative Keith Greiner is renewing his efforts to give Pennsylvania voters a stronger voice in selecting the nation's president. Greiner, a Republican from Lancaster, has been advocating for legislation to move Pennsylvania's primary election earlier in presidential election years for over a decade. While his previous attempt to move the 2024 presidential primary election to the third week in March did not succeed, Greiner has reintroduced his bill to ensure ample time for the 2028 election cycle.

House Bill 1857, sponsored by Greiner, aims to move Pennsylvania's general primary election from the fourth Tuesday in April to the third Tuesday in March. This change would allow Pennsylvania to have a greater role in selecting the presidential candidates. Several other states, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio, also hold their primaries on that day.

Greiner believes that Pennsylvania, as the fifth most populous state and an important swing state, should have a more significant role in the presidential selection process. Currently, 38 states hold their primaries or caucuses ahead of Pennsylvania, meaning that by the time Pennsylvania voters cast their votes, the presidential candidates have already been essentially determined. Greiner's legislation seeks to put Pennsylvania back in play and give its voters greater influence in deciding the candidates.

"As the fifth most populous state in the country and an important swing state, Pennsylvania should play a more significant role in selecting our nation's president," said Greiner. "My legislation would put Pennsylvania back in play, giving our voters greater leverage in deciding who our candidates will be."

If passed, House Bill 1857 would go into effect on January 1, 2028, just in time for the presidential primary that year. The bill is currently awaiting action in the House State Government Committee.

Greiner's efforts to give Pennsylvania voters a stronger voice in presidential races have been met with support. Pennsylvania House of Representatives member Donna Pinkham, who is the media contact for Greiner, can be reached at dpinkham@pahousegop.com or 717.260.6452.

With Greiner's proposed legislation, Pennsylvania could have a greater say in the selection of presidential candidates, ensuring that the voices of its citizens are heard and respected in the democratic process.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.repgreiner.com/News/33368/Latest-News/Greiner-Bill-Would-Give-PA-Voters-Greater-Influence-in-Presidential-Races-