Pennsylvanians may have more time to fill in an absentee voter ballot if the state Senate and Gov. Robert P. Casey approve a bill that would require county boards of elections to mail the forms up to four weeks before an election.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Lynn B. Herman, R-Bellefonte, already has been approved unanimously by the state House of Representatives.

"The bill should be fairly considered by the Senate," Herman said. Currently, registration boards have sent the ballots out two weeks before an election.

"Essentially this legislation eases the absentee ballot process for the voter by giving those who apply early more time to complete and mail their ballot," Herman said in a prepared statement.

The date the ballots must be returned will not change.

"I introduced this legislation in response to complaints from several constituents who indicated that two weeks is often not long enough time logistically to complete and return the absentee ballot," Herman said.

"We must do everything we can to encourage voters' participation," he added.

The Federal Election Commission has indicated that several states, including Pennsylvania, experience difficulties in processing their absentee ballots.

"It is very frustrating to attempt to vote in an election by absentee ballot only to find out that your vote was not counted because, due to one delay or another, the ballot could not be completed and returned to the courthouse in time," Herman said.

Susie Zeneziano, Centre County deputy chief clerk, said the new legislation may put more pressure on the ballot printers, who operate out of Pittsburgh.

But the new law would not affect the mailing of Centre County ballots because they are mailed out far ahead of time, she said.

"When the applications come in, the ballots go out the same day," Zeneziano said.

For this year's May 15 primary elections, absentee ballot applications are due May 8 and absentee ballots are due May 11, Zeneziano said.

Herman said in recent elections, about 320,000 Pennsylvanians successfully applied for absentee ballots.

The bill is also supported by the state's League of Women Voters.