Uh Oh: Illegal Ballot Counting In Pennsylvania Senate Race Sparks Legal Battle

The contentious Pennsylvania Senate race between Republican Dave McCormick and Democratic incumbent Bob Casey has taken a dramatic turn as Democrats in two counties admitted to counting illegal ballots. McCormick currently leads Casey by 29,000 votes, but the race is subject to a mandatory recount due to the narrow margin.

Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt confirmed the recount results will be released on Nov. 27. The recount, estimated to cost $1 million, follows a state Supreme Court ruling that undated or improperly signed mail-in ballots should not be included in the count. However, election officials in Bucks and Montgomery counties chose to defy the order.

Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia justified counting the ballots by arguing that laws are frequently violated and claiming her actions were meant to attract judicial attention. Montgomery County Democratic board chair Neil Makhija also defended the decision, stating it was necessary to prevent voter disenfranchisement.

Republicans, however, see these actions as a blatant attempt to manipulate the outcome. The Republican National Committee has filed four lawsuits challenging the counties’ decisions, with RNC Chairman Michael Whatley accusing Democrats of trying to “steal a senate seat” by counting illegal ballots.

The recount has drawn national attention, with both sides gearing up for an extended legal battle. For Republicans, the issue underscores broader concerns about election integrity and the enforcement of mail-in ballot rules. Democrats, meanwhile, argue that rejecting ballots over technicalities could disenfranchise voters.

As the recount nears its conclusion, the case has highlighted the ongoing tensions over mail-in voting in Pennsylvania. The outcome will likely have significant implications for future elections and the debate over ensuring fair and lawful processes.

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