Pennsylvania Judge Orders Election Official to Stop Unapproved Ballot Count or Face Sheriff’s Action
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A Pennsylvania state judge has issued a firm directive to Vincent Manetta, an election judge in Washington Township, instructing him to halt an unauthorized ballot counting method he planned to implement. Manetta intended to conduct a hand count of ballots after polls closed, a procedure that defies Pennsylvania’s election rules, which mandate that any ballot audits follow strict, legally sanctioned protocols.
Despite multiple warnings, Manetta remained resolute in his plan, insisting on removing ballots for hand-counting. His stance prompted legal intervention, and the matter escalated to the Court of Common Pleas of Fayette County. After reviewing the case, the court ruled decisively against Manetta, affirming that his intended actions would violate state election procedures.
In a writ of mandamus, the court formally directed Manetta to abandon the plan, emphasizing that hand-counting ballots in this manner is illegal under Pennsylvania law. The writ further authorized the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office to enforce the order if necessary. Should Manetta proceed with the unauthorized count, the sheriff would be empowered to remove all election materials and a designated poll worker from Washington Township, relocating them to the county’s central election office to ensure adherence to proper procedures, told WTAE.
The ruling highlights Pennsylvania’s strict approach to ballot handling and election integrity, particularly given the state’s critical role in national election outcomes. Pennsylvania, the largest state within the so-called “blue wall” of traditionally Democratic-leaning states, is expected to be pivotal in determining the overall election result. As a result, the state has faced heightened scrutiny, with both local and national observers closely monitoring election practices to ensure they comply with established laws.
The court’s intervention in Washington Township underscores the priority placed on uniformity and legality in ballot counting across Pennsylvania. This high standard is particularly important given the state’s potential to influence the presidential election outcome. Election officials and legal experts have stressed that any deviation from the prescribed procedures could lead to public mistrust, especially in a state as closely watched as Pennsylvania.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office’s involvement in enforcing the court order highlights the potential legal repercussions for election officials who attempt to bypass standard processes. By empowering the sheriff to intervene, the court sends a clear message that non-compliance with state election laws will not be tolerated, especially when actions could undermine the integrity of Pennsylvania’s vote count.
Pennsylvania’s adherence to strict election protocols is viewed as crucial in a year when election procedures are under intense scrutiny nationwide. By ruling decisively against the unauthorized ballot count, the Court of Common Pleas aims to maintain voter confidence and uphold state law, reassuring Pennsylvania residents that their votes will be handled with transparency and accuracy.
As Pennsylvania continues to play a vital role in the national election landscape, the situation in Washington Township serves as a reminder of the importance of legal and consistent election practices. The court’s intervention and the potential for sheriff enforcement demonstrate the state’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its election process, ensuring every ballot is counted according to law.
