Pennsylvania Democrats’ Election Maneuvering May Lead To Legal Consequences
Efforts by Pennsylvania Democrats to challenge the results of the Senate race may soon face serious legal repercussions as Republican Dave McCormick, who has won the seat, fights to protect the integrity of the election. Despite McCormick’s clear victory, ousted incumbent Sen. Bob Casey, along with lawyer Marc Elias, is attempting to drag out the process and potentially overturn the results through a recount.
Pennsylvania law, under Act 97, entitles Casey to a recount, which is now set to begin on November 20 and end by November 26. The recount process has caused significant delays, pushing the final decision to just before Thanksgiving. Despite McCormick’s victory being widely accepted by election officials, including the Associated Press, Casey continues to contest the results. This marks yet another chapter in Pennsylvania’s long history of contested elections, with recounts rarely changing the outcome.
Supporters of secure elections have a golden opportunity in Pennsylvania. We have county commissioners, Democrats Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Bob Harvie of Bucks County, openly admitting to and bragging about illegal behavior in an attempt to steal an election for Bob Casey. Other… pic.twitter.com/3WQMimXkDv
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 18, 2024
In fact, recounts are historically unlikely to alter election results. A study by FairVote found that of the 6,929 statewide election recounts conducted across the country between 2000 and 2023, only three resulted in the trailing candidate eventually winning. Pennsylvania itself has seen four automatic recounts, all of which confirmed the original results. However, McCormick has taken legal action to challenge the validity of certain votes, particularly those misdated or undated ballots in Bucks County.
Pennsylvania election recount: Commissioners ignore court ban, decide to count flawed ballots https://t.co/yLqGrgzzc8
— VOZ (@Voz_US) November 15, 2024
McCormick’s campaign argues that these ballots, which were counted in violation of the state’s strict ballot-dating rules, should be invalidated. While the outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain, McCormick’s actions highlight the importance of upholding election law and ensuring fair and legal voting practices. The lawsuits filed are seen as procedural but necessary to preserve the legitimacy of the election.
Despite Casey’s attempts to extend the process, McCormick’s legal team remains determined to see the law followed, regardless of the election’s outcome. The McCormick campaign has insisted that their legal challenges are not an attempt to reverse the result, but to ensure the laws governing the election are upheld. However, many are questioning the motivations behind the Democratic push for a recount, especially as allegations of lawbreaking surface.
This is a great lesson in how Pennsylvania progressives like @GovernorShapiro operate.
Diane Marseglia messed up and brought national attention the election fraud happening in the Philadelphia area.
Had this not happened, in all likelihood, the illegal ballots would be counted… pic.twitter.com/dVirvFjY8y
— Meg Brock (@MegEBrock) November 19, 2024
Critics are calling out the Democrats for attempting to stretch the process beyond reason, with some fearing that their actions may end up in significant legal trouble. Pennsylvania’s Secretary of State has issued a reminder that election laws are not optional, a sentiment echoed by members of the press and even some Democrats who believe Casey should concede and avoid further embarrassment.
As the situation unfolds, the legal implications of these election challenges could reverberate through Pennsylvania’s political landscape for years to come. With McCormick’s victory nearly uncontested in the court of public opinion, the ongoing delays and legal actions by Casey’s team only risk undermining the integrity of the state’s electoral process.