Pennsylvania Court Ruling on Mail-in Ballots: A Victory for Republicans
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is aligning himself with the state’s Supreme Court following its recent ruling regarding mail-in ballots. In a controversial decision, the justices upheld that mail-in ballots with incorrect or missing dates cannot be counted, marking a significant win for Republican officials amid a contentious election recount.
The Supreme Court’s Decision
In a narrow 4-3 ruling delivered on Monday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reiterated its prior judgment from November 1, declaring that counties within the state are prohibited from counting incorrectly dated or undated mail-in ballots. This ruling specifically impacts the Boards of Elections in key areas including Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County, compelling them to adhere strictly to earlier court decisions regarding mail-in and absentee ballots.
Governor Shapiro, a Democrat, responded to the ruling by emphasizing the importance of upholding electoral laws. “Any insinuation that our laws can be ignored or do not matter is irresponsible and does damage to faith in our electoral process,” Shapiro stated. “The rule of law matters in Pennsylvania. It is critical for counties in both parties to respect it with both their rhetoric and their actions.”
Commitment to Protecting Democracy
As governor, Shapiro reaffirmed his commitment to safeguard democracy and ensure that all eligible Pennsylvanians’ votes are counted. His stance comes in the wake of increasing pressure from Republican Party officials, who have been vocal about their opposition to including ballots deemed faulty in the recount process.
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Challenges from Democratic Candidates
The Supreme Court’s ruling is a confirmation of a previous directive that mail-in ballots lacking necessary signatures or dates should not be included in electoral counts. However, many Democratic-led election boards across the state, including those in Philadelphia and Bucks County, expressed their reluctance to comply. These boards voted to allow the inclusion of these ballots in the recount despite the ruling, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
During a recent interview, Democratic Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia stated, “People violate laws any time they want… So, for me, if I violate this law it’s because I want a court to pay attention. There’s nothing more important than counting votes.”
Imminent Recount and Republican Lawsuits
The ruling coincided with a series of lawsuits initiated by Republican officials amid an intense Senate recount effort following a closely contested election. GOP candidate David McCormick narrowly defeated three-term Democratic Senator Bob Casey by approximately 17,000 votes, a margin within Pennsylvania’s 0.5% threshold required for an automatic recount.
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Response from the Republican Party
The Republican National Committee (RNC) expressed discontent with Governor Shapiro’s timing in supporting the court’s findings. RNC Chair Michael Whatley shared his views on social media, stating, “Heartening to see. Once Democrats came to the conclusion that even ignoring the Pennsylvania Supreme Court can’t scrape up enough ballots to win… Governor Shapiro suddenly discovers that he stands with the rule of law. Better late than never.”
Adding to the tension, Chris LaCivita, a Trump campaign official, warned that officials responsible for counting mail-in ballots that do not meet legal standards could face serious repercussions. “They will go to jail,” he insisted in a post on social media, indicating a rising sentiment among Republicans that adherence to electoral laws is paramount.
Conclusion
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling on mail-in ballots has stoked a fire within the state’s political landscape, igniting debates about the integrity and administration of elections. As the recount proceeds amid various legal challenges, both parties remain steadfast in their positions, with the Republican Party drawing support from the court’s decision while Democrats continue to advocate for what they describe as the fundamental importance of counting every vote. The outcome of this recount may have lasting implications on trust in the electoral process in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Fox News Digital’s Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.
