Depends on the type of pump.  If it is  a diaphragm type, then  yes, but a rotary, no..  

Geoff,
I assume if the electric is a diaphragm type. I will start looking for that kind of pump.
Thanks very much for quick reply.
Bill

If you use a rotary pump it is simple enough to plumb in a bypass with a check valve.  The Carter rotary pumps are very durable. 

I have a 12v system, and I use a small, auxiliary electric fuel pump inline with the gas line to prime things after the car sits for a week or more.  It works like a charm!  I have a toggle switch under the dash that I flip when I know I haven't started the car recently.  I let it run until it sounds like it is slowing down, then flip it off, pump the accelerator 2 times, and hit the starter.  It starts right up, even after a few months of sitting!

I remember my father's 1952 Wasp having difficulty starting if it sat for a week, when it was maybe 6 years old.  The gas in the carburetor float bowl would evaporate, and it took a while for that 6v starter to crank enough gas into the bowl.  He would crank and pump until the car started, after a few tries.  

I highly recommend the auxiliary electric pump, used only when needed.