A federal judge has ruled against a Republican lawsuit that aimed to segregate overseas ballots in Pennsylvania for additional vetting. US District Judge Chris Cooper stated that the lawsuit, brought by GOP members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation and an outside group, was filed too close to the election for court intervention.
Judge Cooper, appointed by President Barack Obama, deemed the Republicans' request as a 'nonstarter' and highlighted procedural flaws in their legal challenge. The GOP argued that election officials should implement further verification measures for overseas ballots cast in the state.
The issue of overseas voting, particularly from military personnel, has historically been regarded as crucial. The lawsuit's potential impact on service members' ballots drew significant criticism. Notably, in recent elections, the civilian expat community has surpassed military voters in overseas ballot submissions, with Democrats emphasizing their efforts to mobilize voters abroad.
Recent legal setbacks for Republicans in Michigan and North Carolina have also centered on challenges to overseas ballots. In those cases, the Republican National Committee contested ballots from voters with familial ties to the states but who had never resided there. While appeals have been filed, the Michigan case's resolution is not expected before the upcoming election.
