In the final days of the 2024 election, Pennsylvania has become the epicenter of legal and political skirmishes. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have intensified their campaigns in the state, each vying for Pennsylvania’s pivotal 19 electoral votes — the highest among the seven critical swing states.
With the stakes high, both parties are turning to the courts. A recent GOP bid to block potentially thousands of mail-in ballots was shot down by the U.S. Supreme Court, yet Republicans secured a win regarding ballots lacking hand-written dates. These legal battles illustrate the heightened scrutiny around Pennsylvania’s voting regulations.
– Mail-In Ballots: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected an attempt by Republicans to halt provisional ballots for incomplete mail-ins, dubbed “naked ballots.”
– Missing Dates: Another ruling blocked undated ballots, aligning with a GOP suit that cited election integrity as grounds for disqualification.
The Trump campaign also targeted Bucks County, where reports surfaced of voters being turned away during the “on demand” absentee voting process. Social media complaints led to a swift judicial intervention, extending the deadline by two days to ensure all voters were accommodated.
In an unusual twist, billionaire Elon Musk’s involvement has added fuel to the fire. Musk’s daily voter cash giveaway, deemed legal by his lawyers, sparked backlash, with Philadelphia’s district attorney labeling it a “grift.” Musk’s defense argued winners were selected based on “suitability” to represent his PAC’s interests, rather than random chance.
While Pennsylvania takes center stage, Georgia’s election processes are also under legal scrutiny. The Georgia Supreme Court is evaluating an appeal concerning absentee ballots, and a recent federal suit aims to restrict weekend advance voting. Democratic advocates argue that these challenges are attempts to limit voters’ access to absentee and weekend voting options.
Pennsylvania’s significance stems from the winner-takes-all Electoral College system. With Harris and Trump in a near-tie in national polls, winning Pennsylvania could provide the needed 19 electoral votes to push either candidate over the 270-mark. This high-stakes environment underscores why Pennsylvania remains a top prize in the 2024 presidential race.
