Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sides with state’s high court over ballot counting
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has thrown his support behind the state’s high court after a recent ruling that faulty mail-in ballots should not be counted during a contentious recount. This decision has been seen as a victory for Republican Party officials, as the state Supreme Court reiterated its previous ruling that incorrectly dated or undated mail-in ballots cannot be included in the recount.
Governor Shapiro, a Democrat, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law in Pennsylvania. He stated that any disregard for the law undermines faith in the electoral process and called on counties from both parties to respect and adhere to the court’s decision. As the governor, Shapiro vowed to continue working to protect democracy and the votes of all eligible Pennsylvanians.
The initial ruling by the state Supreme Court on November 1 highlighted the importance of properly signed and dated mail-in ballots. However, Democratic-led election boards in counties like Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, and Centre County chose to include ballots that did not meet these requirements in the recount, prompting a legal battle.
In response to the court’s decision, Republican Party officials filed multiple lawsuits in an effort to end the recount process. The narrow victory of GOP candidate David McCormick over three-term Democrat Senator Bob Casey triggered an automatic recount due to the small margin of victory.
Governor Shapiro’s delayed support for the court’s ruling drew criticism from the Republican National Committee, with RNC Chair Michael Whatley questioning the governor’s stance on upholding the rule of law. Despite the backlash, Shapiro stood firm in his defense of the court’s decision, emphasizing the need to respect and follow the laws of the state.
As the recount process continues, tensions remain high, with Trump campaign official Chris LaCivita warning Pennsylvania elections officials of potential jail time for counting incorrect mail-in ballots. The outcome of the recount will have significant implications for the Senate race in Pennsylvania and could potentially shape the political landscape in the state.
In conclusion, the legal battles surrounding the recount in Pennsylvania underscore the importance of upholding election laws and respecting the decisions of the state’s high court. Governor Shapiro’s support for the court’s ruling signals a commitment to preserving the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that every vote is counted in accordance with the law.
