Pennsylvania’s Early Voting Issues Highlight Concerns Over Election Integrity

October 20th 2024

Recent reports from Pennsylvania have brought the state’s early voting processes under scrutiny, raising significant concerns about election integrity and voter disenfranchisement. In Doylestown, Bucks County, frustrated voters faced long lines and were reportedly turned away early, with some claiming it amounted to "election interference." These events underscore the need for a closer examination of Pennsylvania's unique voting laws and procedures, as well as their broader implications for fair and secure elections.

Pennsylvania’s early voting system, enacted in 2019 allows voters to visit their county election office, apply for a mail ballot, and then complete and return it during the same visit. This process, while designed to offer convenience, has proven to be anything but efficient. Bucks County Board of Elections Chairman Bob Harvie described it as a "very cumbersome process," requiring 10 to 12 minutes per voter. This inefficiency led to wait times of up to three hours in some cases.

County officials cited limited staffing and fixed budgets as obstacles to managing the surge in voter turnout. With Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes making it a crucial battleground state, these logistical shortcomings are particularly concerning, as they create bottlenecks that could discourage voters from participating.

Social media was ablaze with allegations of voter suppression as videos emerged showing lines being cut off early in multiple locations, including Doylestown and Quakertown. In one video, an officer explained that the line had to be closed due to the "slow and grueling" process of handling on-demand mail ballot applications. James Blair, the Trump campaign's political director, called the situation "voter suppression," while others alleged that the lines were being cut because "too many Republicans" were voting.

The Bucks County government and the Pennsylvania Department of State issued statements assuring voters that anyone in line by 5 p.m. would be accommodated. However, confusion and miscommunication seemed to dominate the day, with some voters reportedly told they would not be able to cast their ballots even if they were in line on time.

As Pennsylvania’s role in national elections continues to grow, so too must its commitment to election integrity. The long lines, confusion, and allegations of voter suppression seen this week should serve as a wake-up call. Fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy, and every effort must be made to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without unnecessary barriers or concerns about the process.

Pennsylvania’s voting system has shown its cracks under pressure. Now, it is up to state and local leaders to take the necessary steps to rebuild trust and safeguard the integrity of the democratic process. The events in Bucks County and across Pennsylvania are a stark reminder that government, despite its assurances, often falls short when it comes to protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring a seamless voting process. This is why the work of organizations like Citizen AG is more critical than ever. Citizen AG exists to hold government officials accountable, shed light on failures like those seen in Bucks County, and demand meaningful reforms.

We cannot rely on the government to police itself. History has shown that without consistent pressure from vigilant citizens, promises of fair and secure elections often go unfulfilled. Citizen AG is committed to keeping the heat on state and local leaders, ensuring that these issues are not ignored or swept under the rug. From advocating for transparency in election processes to pushing for adequate resources and staffing at polling locations, Citizen AG will hold their feet to the fire until meaningful change is achieved.

The government may falter, but Citizen AG and the people they represent will stand firm, demanding better for Pennsylvania and for the nation.