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Josephs says candidates should be able to amend financial disclosure forms

HARRISBURG, April 22 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., is planning to introduce legislation that would give the court the authority to allow candidates to correct non-fraudulent errors and omissions in their financial disclosure statement after it's been filed so they can remain on the ballot.

"A recent case in Philadelphia in which a judge knocked Seth Williams off the ballot for city district attorney because it was ruled that he failed to disclose $10,300 in campaign expense reimbursements as income -- even though he corrected it -- is a prime example of why my legislation is needed," Josephs said.

"It seems harsh to remove a candidate from the ballot merely because of a simple mistake.

"Transparency in government is essential and the goal of this bill is not to allow public officials to hide critical information. However, let's face it, the financial disclosure form isn't the easiest form to complete, even for incumbent candidates who are used to filling it out. Too often challenges are made to this paperwork to trip up new candidates for unintentional errors or omissions and to discourage their participation."

She plans to introduce the legislation in the coming weeks.

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