Bucks County Residents Demand Answers on Alleged Election Law Breaches

Gavel and scales of justice on desk.

Bucks County faces public outcry over election law violations with strong demands for accountability from local commissioners.

At a Glance

  • Bucks County commissioners face backlash for counting mail ballots against state law.
  • Over 200 people attended a meeting demanding the resignation of Democratic commissioners.
  • Ellis-Marseglia’s statements on legal violations brought online petitions for impeachment.
  • The Pennsylvania Supreme Court advised against counting improperly cast ballots.

Public Protest and Meeting Details

Residents in Bucks County are in uproar after Democratic commissioners decided to count undated or misdated mail ballots, defying a ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. This decision prompted about 200 citizens to convene in a meeting, expressing their dissatisfaction and demanding the resignation of commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Bob Harvie. This incident underscores a broader push for transparency and legality in electoral processes, reflecting a microcosm of growing civic engagement in election integrity.

Elected Judge of Elections stated, “Throughout this election cycle, you’ve done a poor job, as demonstrated by the many comments here today. This past week, you violated your oaths of office knowingly and willfully and against the advice of counsel, and allowed for the counting of illegal ballots.” Public comments during the meeting criticized the commissioners for undermining election integrity and violating their oaths, perpetuating a distrust in the electoral process.

Commissioners’ Defense and Backlash

Ellis-Marseglia and Harvie argued against discarding votes over technicalities, sparking backlash and a petition calling for their impeachment. Ellis-Marseglia’s remarks about law-breaking to gain court attention only intensified public scrutiny. She later apologized, clarifying that her comments were directed at provisional ballots. This apology did little to quell Republican concerns, with County Republican Committee Chair Pat Poprick stating, “We want them to know that this cannot be the way they rule. They cannot make decisions of this nature that are against the law to serve their political purposes.”

The Democratic commissioners maintained they were acting for voter inclusion and fairness, while critics argued they put political motivations ahead of legal obligations. Republican commissioner Gene DiGirolamo opposed counting improper ballots, stressing adherence to the law. This incident intensified tension surrounding the Pennsylvania 2024 U.S. Senate race, especially in the context of Democrat Sen. Bob Casey’s close defeat to Republican Dave McCormick.

State and Legal Repercussions

The local controversy reflects a larger pattern across Pennsylvania, with various Democrat-led counties counting ballots contrary to legal guidance. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court reiterated its stance to reject improperly cast votes, raising questions about uniformity and compliance in election law. In response to public pressure, the commissioners faced criticism from GOP activists calling for their resignation to maintain electoral integrity.

The meeting on this contentious issue highlighted deep frustrations with Bucks County’s election administration, resonating with wider post-election scrutiny. Calls for the impeachment of Ellis-Marseglia and Harvie mark an uphill battle in Pennsylvania’s political climate, emphasizing accountability in governance as a central concern.

Sources:

  1. ‘This is not how you govern’: Bucks County Republicans condemn Dem. commissioners at heated board meeting
  2. Hundreds Of Constituents Demand Resignation From Bucks County Commissioners Who Defied Election Law

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