The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is moving to email newsletters in lieu of traditional paper newsletters, beginning with introductory emails sent out last week, with each one addressed to “Registered Voter.”

Pennsylvanians’ email addresses were reportedly acquired over time through lists purchased from the Department of State, self-submission of emails on websites and requests for information, and other departmental lists that have become available over time.

Early this week, the Chief Clerk’s of the House’s office received a large volume of calls regarding the emails since not all constituents and state employees were familiar with the origin of the emails. The sender email of noreply@pahouseofrepresentatives.com may also have caused some confusion given that it lacks the standard domain of state.pa.gov email suffix.

Steve Miskin, spokesman for the House Republican Caucus, said of the email lists “Both caucuses separately have been using emails for several years. It’s a way to communicate and get information out to constituents… It went to everyone. We do not differentiate Republican or Democrat, we do not differentiate whether you voted or not.”

Mr. Miskin also said the emails would go out to Pennsylvanians by local representative. Individuals can receive email regarding their district, or for the whole state, unless they unsubscribe. “Mainly it’d be whoever the local representative is. If you‘ve written in and you’re interested in legislation regarding local courts and there’s a bill… it’d let you know. It could also be urgent [news], the house just passed whatever… you know a property tax elimination.”

If a resident does not want to receive information from the legislature, however, there is still the option to remove their email address from the list. The initial email that went out is intended to provide individuals with the opportunity to do that up front, with the option to unsubscribe as well later.

Mr. Miskin said, “It’s giving everybody an opportunity to say they don’t want to receive emails … We’re trying to do that right at the beginning and obviously there will be a point if anybody wants to receive emails in the future if they want to unsubscribe… we’re doing things in-house, us and the chief clerks’ office, just giving everybody a chance.”

According to the House Republican Caucus, the estimated number of emails sent out was over 700,000. However, not all addresses can be confirmed as valid.

Darwyyn Deyo can be contacted by email at darwyyn@paindependent.com