A recent batch of approximately 600 disputed ballots in a key Pennsylvania county has revealed an almost equal distribution of votes between Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick. The ballots, which were counted by Democrats in Bucks County despite state Supreme Court decisions, have sparked controversy and accusations of election rigging.
The ballots in question consisted of undated or misdated mail-in ballots and in-person provisional ballots missing required signatures. Casey performed better among the mail-in ballots, while McCormick held a slight advantage among the provisional ballots.
Before Election Day, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court had ruled that these ballots should not be counted. However, Democratic officials in Bucks County, along with officials in at least three other counties, chose to count the votes, arguing that voters should not be disenfranchised for minor errors and that existing safeguards ensured voter eligibility.
According to data provided by a Bucks County official, Casey received 225 votes from the disputed mail-in ballots, while McCormick received 182. In the case of provisional ballots, McCormick garnered 106 votes compared to Casey's 101.
McCormick has initiated legal action to prevent the mail-in ballots from being counted, with GOP allies in Bucks County also considering challenges regarding the provisional ballots. Results from other counties that defied the state Supreme Court's rulings were not immediately available, including Philadelphia.
Currently, the Senate race is undergoing an automatic recount due to McCormick leading by less than 0.5%. The margin stands at less than 18,000 votes out of over 6.9 million total votes, with Casey gaining a net of 38 votes from the recently counted Bucks County ballots.
