The RNC has filed a lawsuit against Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, accusing the county of violating state election law by issuing mail-in ballots before completing mandatory logic and accuracy (L&A) testing. The lawsuit claims that the county began distributing ballots on September 17, even though L&A testing was not scheduled to begin until September 19.
L&A testing is a crucial step in the election process, ensuring that voting machines, ballots, and other election equipment are functioning properly. It is designed to catch errors such as misaligned ballots, incorrect party information, and tabulation issues. Pennsylvania law requires that counties complete this testing at least 15 days before an election and submit certification to the Department of State.
Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, who cast one of the first mail-in ballots, defended the county’s actions, dismissing the RNC’s lawsuit as an attempt to sow confusion. He claimed that the county’s election system is secure and that the distribution of ballots before the completion of testing does not pose a threat to the integrity of the election.
The RNC has demanded that Montgomery County halt all mail-in ballot distribution immediately and segregate any ballots already sent out. They argue that without proper testing, the accuracy and security of the election could be compromised. The lawsuit also requests that any returned ballots be hand-counted to ensure their validity.
As the 2024 general election approaches, the legal battle between the RNC and
Montgomery County highlights the importance of following established election procedures. Pennsylvania’s role as a critical swing state makes this case especially significant, and the resolution of this lawsuit could impact the outcome of the election.
