RNC Sues Montgomery County Over Early Distribution Of Untested Ballots

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has filed a lawsuit against Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, accusing the county of violating state election law by distributing mail-in ballots before completing required pre-election testing. The lawsuit claims that the county began mailing ballots on September 17, even though logic and accuracy (L&A) testing had not been conducted.

L&A testing is crucial to ensuring that ballots, voting machines, and other election equipment function correctly. It also helps detect issues such as improper ballot layout, missing races, or incorrect machine calibration. Under Pennsylvania law, counties must complete this testing and submit certification to the Department of State at least 15 days before the election.

Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, who cast one of the first mail-in ballots in the county, defended the early distribution, dismissing the lawsuit as an attempt to create confusion and undermine voter confidence. Makhija claims that the county’s voting system is secure, and he encouraged voters to request mail-in ballots as soon as possible.

The RNC, however, argues that the county’s actions could lead to errors in the election process. They have demanded that Montgomery County halt the distribution of all mail-in ballots and segregate those already sent out. The RNC also wants any returned ballots to be counted by hand to ensure their accuracy.

With Election Day approaching, this legal dispute highlights the importance of following election laws to protect the integrity of the vote. Pennsylvania’s role as a key swing state adds further weight to the controversy, and how this lawsuit is resolved could have a significant impact on the upcoming election.