Four ballot questions proposing amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution will be on the May 18 Primary Election ballot.  

Two involve giving the Legislature more say and the governor less say in determining the extension or termination of disaster emergency declarations. These two questions stem from the Legislature's frustration in trying to force Governor Tom Wolf to end the COVID pandemic limitattions, but if approved they become part of the state Constitution forever, regardless of who  the governor is or which party controls the Legislature.

The third would add a provision guaranteeing that one’s rights under the law cannot be denied because of race or ethnicity. The fourh question asks whether voters approve of making municipal fire departments or companies with paid personnel and emergency medical services companies eligible to apply for loans from an already existing state loan program.

Independents, non-affiliated voters and members of minor parties can vote on the ballot questions in the primary election and are enouraged to do so. 

Ballot Question 1

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?

For more information click here. 

Ballot Question 2

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?

For more information click here. 

Ballot Question 3

Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended by adding a new section providing that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of an individual’s race or ethnicity?

 For more information click here. 

Ballot Question 4

Do you favor expanding the use of the indebtedness authorized under the referendum for loans to volunteer fire companies, volunteer ambulance services and volunteer rescue squads under 35 PA.C.S. §7378.1 (related to referendum for additional indebtedness) to include loans to municipal fire departments or companies that provide services through paid personnel and emergency medical services companies for the purpose of establishing and modernizing facilities to house apparatus equipment, ambulances and rescue vehicles, and for purchasing apparatus equipment, ambulances and rescue vehicles, protective and communications equipment and any other accessory equipment necessary for the proper performance of the duties of the fire companies and emergency medical services companies?

 For more information click here.