In a pivotal ruling, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has decided that election officials may inform voters of errors in their mail-in ballots and allow them to make necessary corrections. This decision deals a significant setback to Republicans who had sought to prevent the implementation of such “notice and cure” procedures, crucial ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
On Saturday, the court declined to hear a lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee (RNC) and its Pennsylvania affiliate, arguing that the case was brought too close to the November 5 election date. The election will see former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, face off against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
Pennsylvania is considered a key battleground state, pivotal in the Electoral College race, with 19 electoral votes at stake. The outcome in Pennsylvania is critical for both parties as they vie for the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
The RNC’s legal actions are part of a broader strategy involving over 120 voting-related lawsuits across 26 states. While Republicans claim they aim to bolster election integrity by ensuring no illegal votes are cast, some legal experts and voting rights advocates contend that these legal maneuvers are intended to challenge possible electoral losses and suppress voter turnout among Democrats.
While the GOP has faced setbacks, it did achieve some legal victories. On the same day, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court also declined to hear a challenge by voting rights organizations against a state requirement mandating that mail-in ballots carry the correct date to be counted. The court deemed this challenge was also brought too close to the election.
Michael Whatley, chair of the RNC, hailed the court’s decision on ballot dates as a significant win for election integrity, asserting that it instills confidence among Pennsylvania voters regarding mail-in ballots.
The use of mail-in ballots has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, though Trump has repeatedly criticized their reliability, making unfounded claims about widespread fraud in the 2020 election.
In their legal argument, the RNC claimed that local election boards lacked the authority to adopt notice and cure procedures. In contrast, the Democratic National Committee maintained that Pennsylvania law empowers local officials to implement such measures, enhancing voter participation.
Charles Lutvak, spokesperson for Harris’s campaign, described the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision as a victory for democracy, emphasizing its importance for all voters, regardless of party affiliation.
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