Controversy Erupts In Pennsylvania Senate Race Over Counting Illegal Ballots

Pennsylvania’s Senate race between Republican Dave McCormick and Democratic Sen. Bob Casey is under scrutiny as officials in two counties admitted to counting mail-in ballots deemed illegal under state law. The recount, triggered by the close vote margin, has sparked legal challenges and accusations of election law violations.

McCormick leads Casey by 29,000 votes, according to unofficial results, but the tight race has automatically entered a recount phase. Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced that the recount results will be made public on Nov. 27. The process, estimated to cost $1 million, has intensified partisan tensions.

The dispute stems from a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision mandating that mail-in ballots lacking proper dates or signatures should not be counted. Despite this clear ruling, Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Montgomery County Democratic board chair Neil Makhija chose to include such ballots, citing concerns over voter disenfranchisement.

Ellis-Marseglia dismissed the importance of adhering to the ruling, stating, “For me, if I violate this law, it’s because I want a court to pay attention.” Makhija echoed her sentiment, arguing that every vote should be counted regardless of technicalities. These admissions have drawn criticism from Republicans, who see them as an open defiance of election law.

The Republican National Committee has filed multiple lawsuits against the counties, with RNC Chairman Michael Whatley accusing Democrats of attempting to undermine the election. “Democrats in Pennsylvania are brazenly trying to break the law by attempting to count illegal ballots,” Whatley said in a statement.

As the recount progresses, both sides are bracing for a prolonged legal fight. The case has drawn national attention and is being closely watched for its potential impact on future elections and the enforcement of mail-in voting rules.

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