A recent letter from the Republican National Committee (RNC) to the Pennsylvania Democratic Party has raised serious concerns over potential illegal activity in the recruitment of out-of-state poll watchers. The RNC is warning that misinformation on the state party’s website may be encouraging individuals who are not qualified to serve as poll watchers to do so, in direct violation of Pennsylvania state law.
According to the RNC, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party’s website states that poll watchers must be physically present in the state, but “do not necessarily have to be PA voters.” This blatantly disregards state law, which explicitly states that poll watchers must be registered voters in the county where the polling is taking place. This misleading guidance not only goes against state law, but it also has the potential to interfere with the legitimacy of the election results.
As Pennsylvania is a crucial battleground state in the upcoming presidential election, with just a 0.1 point difference between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the integrity of the state’s election process is of utmost importance. Yet, the RNC warns that the Democrats’ recruitment tactics could undermine the fairness and accuracy of the election.
The RNC letter stated, “It’s incorrect, and the last thing voters need is to have incorrect information like that spread.” Linda A. Kerns, Pennsylvania election integrity counsel for the RNC, emphasized the seriousness of this issue and the need for accurate information to ensure a smooth and fair election process for all voters.
The RNC is pursuing voting irregularities in states like MI and PA.
We have numerous accounts of Republican poll watchers being kicked out, and that absolutely undermines confidence in the canvassing process. pic.twitter.com/9MvkRoIsgz
— Ronna McDaniel (@RonnaMcDaniel) November 10, 2020
Aside from concerns about the legality of the recruitment of poll watchers, the RNC also expressed alarm over the Pennsylvania Democrats’ statements on their website regarding the recruitment of “early vote monitors.” These monitors are responsible for assisting voters outside of election and satellite locations during voting. However, the RNC argues that the Democrats’ proposed activities could lead to chaos and the potential for these monitors to engage in inappropriate observation of voting activities.
In their letter to the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, the RNC criticized their “egregious misstatement of Pennsylvania election law,” and urged them to clarify the permissible scope of activities at satellite election offices. The RNC also pointed to the position taken by the current Commissioner of Philadelphia, who previously stated that the recruitment of “early vote monitors” could potentially violate election laws.
RNC Questions If PA Dems Are Actively Recruiting Out-of-State Poll Watchers https://t.co/A4yGl43vbe via @BreitbartNews
Democrats up to dirty tricks and misinformation on PA State law on qualifications for poll watchers. What a surprise…NOT.
— Kathy Lauretano (@katyward) August 30, 2024
The RNC’s concerns highlight the potential for illegal and unethical behavior by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party in the recruitment of poll watchers and early vote monitors. These actions not only undermine the integrity of the election but also threaten chaos and confusion at polling places. It is essential that all political parties and candidates adhere to state laws and regulations to ensure a fair and accurate election in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has not yet responded to the RNC’s letter, but it is imperative that they address and correct these concerns to safeguard the state’s election process.