Priorities USA Statement on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Decision to Extend Ballot Receipt Deadline and Include Prepaid Postage with Every Mail-In Ballot
Today, Priorities USA Chairman Guy Cecil issued the following statement in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling which allows the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to count ballots which are received up to three days after Election Day. This relief follows Secretary Boockvar’s previous announcement that the Department of State will provide funding for postage on mail ballots, thus eliminating a potential poll tax. In addition, the Court upheld Pennsylvania’s use of ballot drop boxes. The legal challenge to Pennsylvania’s ballot receipt deadline was brought in a lawsuit supported by Priorities USA, filed on behalf of the Alliance for Retired Americans, and was also raised in a separate action filed by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. The Court issued its ruling through the Pennsylvania Democratic Party lawsuit.
“The decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is a victory for democracy and for all Pennsylvania residents,” said Guy Cecil, Chairman of Priorities USA. “Because of the coronavirus, vote by mail will be a critical component in ensuring that every single eligible voter in Pennsylvania can have their voice heard in our election. This ruling makes it clear that vote by mail is safe, secure, and easy to do. While Republicans are doing everything they can to make it harder for Pennsylvanians to exercise their right to vote I am grateful that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has met this moment and decided in favor of the voters, not those who seek to stifle their power.”