With only four days remaining until Election Day, former President Donald Trump has made unfounded allegations of voter fraud in Pennsylvania, raising fears of potential attempts to overturn election results not just in the state, but also in other key battlegrounds.
Trump’s rhetoric has sparked concerns about the possibility of violence and disruptions to the electoral process, reminiscent of the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Observers worry that Trump is laying the groundwork to blame any loss in Pennsylvania on supposed voter fraud. In a recent social media post, he claimed, “We caught them CHEATING BIG in Pennsylvania,” while calling for criminal prosecutions.
A senior official from the Harris campaign responded, asserting that Trump’s claims are designed to “sow doubt in our elections and institutions when he’s afraid he can’t win.” Pennsylvania policy strategist Kyle Miller cautioned that Trump is “sowing the seeds for attempts to overturn an election result that cuts against Donald Trump,” suggesting that Trump and his supporters have learned from their experiences in the 2020 election and are spreading their narrative early this time.
Recently, Trump intensified his unsubstantiated allegations, arguing that investigations into questionable voter registration forms are evidence of fraud. However, state officials and democracy advocates contend that these investigations are indicative of the electoral system functioning properly. For instance, after a lawsuit from Trump’s campaign, a judge extended the mail-in ballot deadline in Bucks County, and inquiries into potentially fraudulent registrations in Lancaster and York counties have uncovered no evidence of illegal voting.
The US electoral system, established in the 1789 Constitution, provides mechanisms for Trump and his allies to contest or delay election results. Although Trump’s team attempted 60 court cases alleging fraud in 2020 none of which were successful this experience has equipped legal teams on both sides for possible disputes this year.
If Trump’s followers successfully challenge or obstruct unfavorable election results through the courts or legislative measures, they could jeopardize the inauguration of a duly elected Kamala Harris and manipulate the outcome in Trump’s favor. Some states have cautioned local officials against illegal interventions or refusal to certify results. Ultimately, the final decision could rest with the US Supreme Court, comprised of nine justices, six of whom are conservatives, including three appointed by Trump.