PA Republican Party Files Federal Lawsuit On Poll Watchers And County Lines
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Pennsylvania Republican Party has filed a lawsuit in Federal Court, claiming that state law prevents poll watchers from crossing county borders and infringes on their first amendment rights, it comes after a bill introduced in the house, stalled last month.
Eight Pennsylvanian residents have joined the GOP in making a plea to the Federal Court to review current election law in the state. State GOP spokeswoman Megan Sweeney said it is about protecting rights.
"We've had poll-watchers for 75 years and this will empower them to have the ability to watch elections in different counties."
Sweeney said this could be convenient is certain areas.
"This would give them the ability and the flexibility where there may not be as many poll watchers."
And when pressed about why the suit has been filed just two weeks shy of the election, Sweeney said they aren't focused on the timing of the election.
"We're not really talking about timing."
David Thornburg heads the non-partisan group Committee of Seventy and said it could be seen as voter intimidation.
"It's very, very late to be introducing new procedures into the election process, so maybe this worth considering," he said. "May there are other things to consider, but let's hold on it until after November 8th."
Thornburg said he has some major concerns.
"My concern is at this very late date, introducing this into the election process, has the potential to cause an enormous amount of chaos and confusion."
The state's Democratic chair released a statement, calling the lawsuit unconstitutional.
"I believe this publicity stunt of a lawsuit will be found unconstitutional. This is just another way for the Republicans to avoid talking about issues. Pennsylvanians must know that their sacred right to vote will be defended; more people will vote in this election than any in our history, and we expect it to be easier than ever for Pennsylvanians to cast their ballots on November 8. For the Pennsylvania Republicans to take their nominee's conspiracy theories and thinly veiled racism to heart by trying to change the law two weeks from Election Day shows just how unfit they are to lead." ~Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Marcel L. Groen
