“This is a victory that will help ensure that every eligible voter will more easily be able to cast their ballot and have it counted fairly.
“Today’s ruling confirms that counties will be able to provide convenient secure options such as additional county election offices and drop boxes to increase accessibility for those who are voting by mail. It also means that ballots postmarked by election day and received by the Friday after the election will be counted.
“Last fall, Pennsylvania voters were the beneficiaries of historic bipartisan election reform. Chief among those reforms was the ability for every voter to cast a ballot by mail, for any reason or no reason at all. This ruling affirms that historic legislation and allows counties to implement processes that support the voting reforms.
“Today is an important day for voters’ rights in Pennsylvania. Now, we and every county election worker will continue our efforts to administer an election that is secure, fair and accessible in every way.”
Other Reactions
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre) issued this statement about the rulings--
“The PA Supreme Court has chosen National Constitution Day to trample on the fundamental principles on which our nation was founded. This ruling is not about ensuring fair elections – it is about allowing one party to steal this election. Under the Constitution, the responsibility to determine the times, places and manner of elections lies solely within the legislative process.
“Given that the Supreme Court totally dismissed President Judge Levitt and her findings show that this was never about the facts in this case. With today’s decision, the Supreme Court has overtaken the job constitutionally provided to the Legislature and made partisan decisions that run counter to ensuring election security and having results on Election Night.
“It doesn’t matter what the process is for casting a ballot if the results are in question. Our goal as policy makers always has been to work in a bipartisan manner to fulfill our constitutional obligation to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote, confidence in the system and that the votes are counted in a timely manner.
“We believe the Court has erred in its ruling and is jeopardizing the accountability and security of our election process in Pennsylvania. We will continue to review the decision, exploring our options to ensure trust in the election process and defend the Constitution against this activist court.”
House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin) had this to say--
“Two weeks ago, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed significant election legislation, based off of the governor’s report from the primary election, that among other things expands and clarifies voting options, enhances penalties for voter fraud, provides for more reasonable timelines to ensure ballots can be cast by election day, and allows for pre-canvassing.
“Today's decision makes Pennsylvania’s elections less secure and opens the door to serious questions about the integrity of the process in one of the most significant national and state elections in recent memory. Even more concerning is that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has once again normalized the Wolf administration’s disrespect for the Constitution, the rule of law and the voice of the people.
“We are currently examining our legal and legislative options and remain committed to ensuring our elections are conducted in a safe and secure manner with results beyond reproach.”
NewsClips:
Trio Of PA Supreme Court Rulings Like To Boost Biden Against Trump In PA
[Posted: Sept. 17, 2020]
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