Bruce Jacobs : Washington County Hires Counsel to Fight Election Lawsuit – WPXI

Washington County leaders have taken a significant step in response to a recent lawsuit that accuses the county of covertly invalidating a number of mail-in ballots. The decision to hire a special counsel to address this legal challenge highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity of the election process.

Background on Ballot Curing in Pennsylvania

Ballot curing procedures can vary between states, with some requiring election officials to notify voters if their mail-in ballot needs to be corrected. In Pennsylvania, it is left to individual counties to interpret and implement state election laws regarding ballot curing.

Legal Challenge and Lawsuit

A group of voters and organizations in Washington County have raised objections to the county commissioner’s decision to invalidate more than 250 mail-in ballots in the most recent election. The basis for invalidation typically stemmed from user errors, such as missing signatures or dates on the ballot envelope.

Bruce Jacobs, one of the affected voters, expressed his disappointment upon learning that his vote was not counted due to an oversight in signing and dating the envelope. This revelation prompted Jacobs and six other voters, along with the NAACP, to file a lawsuit challenging the county’s policy on ballot curing.

Commissioners’ Diverging Views

County Commissioner Larry Maggi has voiced support for allowing voters the opportunity to correct their ballots to ensure that their votes are counted. He highlighted the significant number of uncounted votes in the previous election and emphasized the importance of addressing this issue.

However, Commissioner Nick Sherman defended the county’s decision to change its policy on ballot curing, citing adherence to state guidelines. Sherman dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous and underscored the need to uphold the clarity of Pennsylvania state law.

Potential Resolution and Legal Perspectives

Legal director of the Pennsylvania ACLU, Vic Walczak, suggested that there may still be avenues for notifying voters and allowing them to correct their ballots in line with practices seen in other counties. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that voters have the opportunity to preserve their right to vote.

As the legal battle unfolds, it is essential for all parties involved to uphold the integrity of the election process and ensure that every eligible vote is counted.

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