The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has made a landmark decision by rejecting Senator Bob Casey’s mail-in ballot proposal, underscoring its commitment to election integrity.
At a Glance
- Mail-in ballots with incorrect or missing dates will not be counted in the 2024 election.
- The decision was a 4-3 ruling by a Democratic-majority court.
- This ruling is seen as a victory for Republicans, who opposed counting these ballots.
- Republican David McCormick defeated Democrat Bob Casey by 17,000 ballots.
- The margin of victory triggered an automatic recount under state law.
Court Ruling on Mail-in Ballots
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision not to count mail-in ballots with incorrect or missing dates marks a significant legal stance on upholding election laws. This ruling specifically affects counties like Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia, where issues with dating ballots had been contentious. By a 4-3 vote, the court reiterated the necessity of adherence to election protocols, despite some counties’ deviation from this requirement.
Republicans have consistently argued that the date on a mail-in ballot’s return envelope is crucial for ballot security. McCormick and his supporters filed an emergency petition to ensure these discrepancies didn’t contaminate the recount process. Meanwhile, Democrats, including Senator Bob Casey, argue that such requirements disenfranchise voters by focusing on technicalities rather than voter eligibility.
Implications for Fair Elections
This ruling is part of a broader legal saga involving numerous lawsuits from the Republican Party aimed at ensuring the counted ballots comply with state laws. Despite the ruling, some counties attempted to count ballots not matching the court’s criteria, prompting further litigation from both political camps. Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized adherence to the legal ruling, highlighting its importance in maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
“As we move forward, I want to be clear: any insinuation that our laws can be ignored or do not matter is irresponsible and does damage to faith in our electoral process” – Democrat Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
McCormick’s campaign views this as a massive setback for Casey, who has yet to concede the race, trailing by around 31,000 votes. The recount, which was spurred partly due to the narrow margin of victory and its associated costs, has intensified discussions on election mismanagement and partisanship within election boards.
Legal and Political Ramifications
The ruling reinforces that handwritten date requirements for mail-in ballots should be constitutionally upheld, per the GOP’s stance. While lower courts have previously rejected this requirement, higher courts, including the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, have reinstated it, maintaining the legal framework for election conduct. McCormick, who won the Senate seat, anticipates serving his term, amidst pressuring calls for Casey to drop further legal challenges.
“Today’s ruling is a massive setback to Senator Casey’s attempt to count illegal ballots.” – Elizabeth Gregory
As litigation surrounding provisional ballots unfolds, county officials face scrutiny over their handling of these disputes. The Republican Party, led by figures like Chairman Michael Whatley, commits to a resolute legal strategy to certify the election and counter any law-defying voting practices. This court decision symbolizes a commitment to rule-based election proceedings amid political turbulence.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court leaves in place a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that allows voters in the battleground state who submit mail-in ballots that are rejected as defective to submit provisional ballots on Election Day instead. #SCOTUS pic.twitter.com/OoMKAeyftI
— Katie Buehler (@bykatiebuehler) November 1, 2024
Sources:
- Pennsylvania Supreme Court upholds exclusion of certain mail-in ballots, in victory for GOP
- Dem-Controlled PA Supreme Court Slaps Down Bob Casey’s Efforts To Count Invalid Mail-In Ballots: ‘Critical to the Rule of Law’
