In a flagrantly illegal move, Bucks County Commissioners are counting provisional ballots absent signatures, defying an order from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Breitbart confirmed that on Thursday, the Bucks County Board of Commissioners made a decision to include unsigned provisional ballots in the election tally, openly violating a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court directive that explicitly prohibits counting these votes.
At the center of this unprecedented action are Commissioner Chair Robert J. Harvie Jr. (D) and Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia (D).
Both voted in favor of counting these ballots, contrary to the clear guidelines provided by the state's highest court just months ago. Their rationalization was part defiance and part a call to revisit the rigor of state laws surrounding election ballots.
However, not all commissioners agreed. Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo (R) opposed the move, emphasizing the need to adhere to judicial precedents to maintain the integrity of electoral processes. This split decision has escalated tensions in a country already deeply divided by political lines and has broader implications for the overall election results.
Compounding controversies, Deputy County Solicitor Daniel Grieser had previously advised the commissioners that ballots missing a signature in crucial sections identified as "block two" or "block four" should not be counted without a complete signature.
Grieser's guidance was rooted in the legal framework that the Board ordinarily follows, aligning with directions previously upheld by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Despite this, Harvie and Ellis-Marseglia pushed forward with their decision. The commissioners chose to count ballots that had a missing signature in one of the two required blocks but remained steadfast in disqualifying those lacking signatures in both.
The local Republican Party, along with the Republican National Committee and Pennsylvania Republican Party, expressed immediate disapproval of the Commissioners' decision and signaled their intent to challenge this potentially unlawful act.
Republican counsel Walter Zimolong emphasized the clarity of the Supreme Court's mandate which unambiguously states that both required signature places must be filled for a ballot to count.
The controversy in Bucks County is set against the backdrop of a larger electoral dispute involving Pennsylvania's Senator-elect Dave McCormick's recent victory, which is now subject to scrutiny and a recount.
McCormick himself has initiated legal proceedings against Bucks County’s Board of Elections for allegedly accepting misdated or updated mail-in ballots, further complicating the political scenario.
Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia’s statements during the decision process revealed a significant level of frustration with the current state of political and judicial affairs. She stated her willingness to challenge the law in court, highlighting her prioritization of voter representation over strict legal adherence.
This incident reflects the broader national challenges surrounding election integrity and law adherence. It raises serious questions about the balance between judicial authority and electoral inclusivity.
The decision by the Bucks County Commissioners not only impacts the immediate electoral outcomes but also sets a significant precedent for how election laws might be challenged or upheld in future elections.
As Bucks County navigates this controversial legal territory, the eyes of Pennsylvania and the nation remain fixed on how these challenges will reshape voter trust and electoral fairness in upcoming elections.