Citizens Challenge Mail Ballot Applications in Southeast Pennsylvania
A coalition of activists is challenging hundreds of mail ballot applications in southeast Pennsylvania, alleging that numerous voters have moved and thus are ineligible to vote. The challengers assert that discrepancies between addresses in the state’s mail ballot request file and the U.S. Postal Service’s National Change of Address database disqualify these voters. This method has faced criticism from election experts who argue it lacks sufficient verification to confirm identity.
Local voting rights groups have condemned the challenges as a “malicious attempt” to disenfranchise voters. Susan Gobreski, president of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, expressed concern over the challenges’ validity, stating they reflect a deliberate abuse of the election process. Under Pennsylvania law, mail ballot applications can be challenged until 5 p.m. the Friday before the election, with a $10 fee required for each challenge.
Reports indicate that the challenges are coordinated, targeting predominantly Democratic voters in counties such as Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware. For instance, Bucks County received 191 challenges from a single individual, while Chester County logged 212 challenges, all employing uniform language. While Montgomery County has yet to receive challenges, officials are prepared to address any that arise.
Critics highlight the unreliability of using USPS address change data alone to determine voter eligibility, noting it often lacks unique identifiers necessary for accurate identification. The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has cautioned counties against deeming applications ineligible based solely on these challenges, emphasizing that being a registered voter is the only requirement for receiving a mail ballot. Furthermore, federal law prohibits purging voters from rolls within 90 days of an election.
Carter Walker, a reporter for Votebeat in partnership with Spotlight PA, can be contacted for further information.
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