Recent challenges to mail-in ballot applications in Philadelphia's suburbs have sparked legal concerns, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania raising objections to what they deem as mass-produced and illegal challenges. These challenges, numbering in the hundreds, question the voter's residence based on a supposed match with a U.S. Postal Service change-of-address database.
The challenges, filed by a supporter of former President Donald Trump in Chester County, are purportedly nonpartisan and target individuals who have moved out of state. However, the ACLU has asserted that these challenges are illegal, as voters can only be challenged on their qualifications to register to vote.
The ACLU has emphasized that challenges must be based on specific evidence that a voter is not eligible to vote, rather than assumptions drawn from a change-of-address database. The organization pointed out that individuals listed in the database may be temporarily relocating for various reasons, such as school or military service, without permanently changing their residence.
Legal disputes over mail-in ballots have intensified in Pennsylvania, a critical state in the presidential election. The challenges have been directed at counties in Philadelphia's left-leaning suburbs, where Democratic support was strong in the 2020 election.
Counties like Bucks and Chester are currently reviewing the challenges, with expectations that their elections boards will address them in public meetings. While some counties have reported receiving complaints, others have not confirmed any challenges as of the latest update.
The ACLU has warned that deeming voters ineligible or rejecting their ballots based solely on these challenges would violate federal and state laws. Additionally, individuals have received letters advising them to cancel their voter registration if they have moved out of state, further complicating the situation.
According to the ACLU, the challenges have affected voters across party lines, but Democrats have been disproportionately impacted due to their higher reliance on mail-in voting compared to Republicans.
