Pennsylvania Lawsuit Could Put Overseas Military Votes on Hold Amid Verification Dispute

In Pennsylvania, a federal lawsuit brought by six Republican congressmen has the potential to put thousands of absentee ballots from military personnel on hold during the election that will take place the following week. Without first validating the identification of each voter, the officials of the Republican Party say that absentee votes, including those made by military personnel stationed overseas, should not be counted. State authorities and Democrats assert that Pennsylvania's method for military and foreign ballots is under federal regulations and has performed without any problems. This is even though proponents of the case argue that this assures the integrity of elections.

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One of the plaintiffs, Representative Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), argues that the lawsuit is essential to "reinforce the principle that every legal vote must be counted with complete integrity." On the other hand, veterans' support groups are warning that the legal challenge could result in the disenfranchisement of service members who have constitutionally exercised their right to vote.

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"Targeting the ballots of those actively serving—some in dangerous conditions—is cynicism at its peak," said Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of the Vet Voice Foundation, who indicated that she was concerned about the possibility of disenfranchisement. According to Goldbeck and other individuals, any alteration made at the eleventh hour can invalidate legitimate ballots cast by troops stationed overseas, which might have considerable repercussions in the state currently under intense political competition.

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