Priorities USA Statement on the State of Pennsylvania’s Decision Not to Contest Changes to Mail Ballot Deadline

August 13, 2020

Today, Priorities USA Chairman Guy Cecil issued the following statement in response to the Commonwealth’s decision not to contest changes to the state’s mail ballot deadline, in a lawsuit supported by Priorities USA. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans and several Pennsylvania voters, and requested that Pennsylvania extend the mail ballot deadline to ensure that ballots the delivered after 8 p.m. on Election Day due to mail service delays or disruptions will be counted: 

“This decision is an important step in addressing the mounting barriers to voting that Americans are navigating as a result of deliberate voter suppression,” said Guy Cecil, Chairman of Priorities USA. “I applaud Pennsylvania’s leaders for understanding the importance of addressing this issue and I hope that we can continue working towards solutions that create a more equitable and fair elections administration process in the state.” 

“The Secretary today recognized that Pennsylvania voters should be able to vote by mail and know that their ballot will be counted,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans. “This is especially critical for the two million Pennsylvania voters who are over the age of 65 and whose health is most at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvania seniors need to be able to vote by mail to protect their health and know that their votes will count.”