RNC Challenges Pennsylvania's Mail Ballot Counting Standards

In the lead-up to the November 5 presidential election, the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Pennsylvania Republican Party have filed a lawsuit against Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt. They argue that his standards for counting mail-in ballots are inconsistent and violate state law. Schmidt, appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro, had previously announced that voters could cast provisional ballots if they failed to follow mail-in ballot instructions. However, the RNC contends that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that voters do not have the right to correct defects in mail-in ballots, creating confusion among voters. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the potential for a patchwork of curing policies across different counties, which the RNC claims undermines the uniformity required by the Pennsylvania Constitution. The plaintiffs assert that Schmidt's directive contradicts established legal precedents and could lead to inconsistent treatment of voters. This legal challenge comes as Pennsylvania is expected to be a critical battleground state in the upcoming election, having played a pivotal role in the 2020 presidential race. In 2020, the state faced significant controversy regarding mail-in ballots, particularly concerning postmarks and deadlines. Changes made under the previous Democratic administration allowed ballots to be counted even if they arrived after Election Day, a move opposed by the Republican-controlled state legislature. With a new Republican Secretary of State in place, the RNC is seeking to ensure that election officials adhere strictly to the law. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the election process in Pennsylvania, potentially affecting voter confidence and the overall integrity of the electoral system in a state that has seen intense scrutiny in recent years.