RNC Appeals to Supreme Court Over Pennsylvania Provisional Ballots
October 28, 2023 – UPI
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court challenging a recent decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that permits the counting of provisional ballots cast by voters whose mail-in ballots were disqualified for reasons such as missing signatures or secrecy envelopes. The ruling came from a divided 4-3 opinion of Pennsylvania’s high court, which upheld the right of voters to have provisional ballots counted even when their original mail-in ballots are invalidated.
In its appeal, the RNC contends that the state court overstepped its authority by altering established mail-in voting rules, thus infringing on constitutional protections and overriding legislative intent. The RNC described the case as “paramount” to the integrity of the electoral process, suggesting that it could influence the outcome of crucial elections, including the U.S. Senate and the upcoming 2024 Presidential election.
The litigation, initiated by two voters challenging the Butler County Board of Elections, centers on the interpretation of provisional ballots, which are provisionally counted while election officials verify their legitimacy. The Pennsylvania court emphasized the importance of inclusivity in voting, declaring that the rejection of such ballots is "not reconcilable with the right of franchise."
In response to the Pennsylvania ruling, the RNC labeled the court’s actions as creating an improper "cure process" for mail-in ballot errors, which they claim the state legislature had not authorized. The appeal is part of a broader GOP strategy aiming to implement stricter voting regulations ahead of the upcoming elections. Additionally, Virginia Republicans are seeking to reinstate a voter purge after a federal court rejected their claims regarding voter roll removals.
The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on the Pennsylvania case could have significant implications for voting rights and election processes in critical battleground states.
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