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RNC Suggests Criminal Charges for Officials Who Violate Election Law

 November 19, 2024

The aftermath of the Nov. 5 election has brought significant controversy in the Keystone State as well as potential criminal prosecution.

The Republican National Committee is considering legal action against Bucks County, Pennsylvania, officials for counting invalid ballots, defying a state Supreme Court order, and intensifying a dispute over election laws, as the Daily Caller reports.

The controversy originated from a decision made by Bucks County Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Robert Harvie to count undated and misdated ballots during a recount of the Pennsylvania Senate race.

This recount was initiated by Democrat Sen. Bob Casey after a narrow initial victory by Republican Sen.-elect Dave McCormick.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court had earlier ruled on Nov. 1 that ballots lacking proper dates are invalid. This decision directly contradicts the actions taken by the Bucks County Commissioners.

Dispute Over Ballot Validity Heats Up in Pennsylvania

In response to widespread criticism during a public meeting, Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia defended their decision. She argued that following judicial precedent seemed less relevant given the frequent disregard for laws she perceives in the current political climate.

Her statement, "Precedent by a court doesn’t matter anymore in this country because people violate laws anytime they want," has fueled significant backlash.

Amid these tensions, the Republican National Committee's Chairman, Michael Whatley, expressed the party's intention to investigate potential criminal prosecution against Ellis-Marseglia for her comments and actions. During a press call on Monday, Whatley emphasized the need to uphold the law rigorously.

RNC's Legal Strategy Against Election Law Violations

Whatley clarified the RNC's stance, stating, "We certainly are exploring that right now, and we will pursue this to the fullest extent that we can."

He further detailed the party's plan to address election fraud and law violations by saying, "We have been very clear that we are going to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law, folks that are not following the law, that are trying to cheat in these elections."

The Republican National Committee acted swiftly by filing a lawsuit against all 67 county boards of elections in Pennsylvania following the contentious meeting.

The lawsuit seeks to prevent the counting of undated and misdated ballots, which the RNC considers an attempt to undermine the election's integrity.

Broader Impact on PA Election Integrity

This legal action by the RNC is not isolated to Bucks County. Other counties in Pennsylvania, including Centre County, Philadelphia County, and Montgomery County, have also made decisions to count undated or incorrectly dated ballots, raising concerns about uniform adherence to the Supreme Court's ruling across the state.

Michael Whatley criticized these broader actions during his press call, linking them to the Casey campaign's efforts to influence the election outcome.

He stated, "The fact that the margin is large enough that it will not be overturned does not take away from the fact that these are improper actions that are being taken by the Bob Casey campaign, by his attorneys, and by these officials."

Political Repercussions and Future of Election Laws

The ongoing dispute in Pennsylvania highlights the growing polarization and legal confrontations surrounding election laws in the U.S.

As both parties brace for a potential protracted legal battle, the outcome of this case could significantly influence future election law enforcement and political strategy.

As this situation develops, both local and national observers are closely monitoring the implications for election integrity and the rule of law in subsequent electoral processes.