Pennsylvania Republican Party Sues to Overturn Residency Requirement for Poll Watchers

On October 21, the Pennsylvania Republican Party sued in federal court to overturn a state law that says poll workers cannot work outside their home county. Poll watchers are authorized by state law to be present at polling places, but no one may be a poll watcher in a county other than the watcher’s home county. The Complaint says poll watchers engage in core political speech protected by the First Amendment. Republican Party of Pennsylvania v Cortes, e.d., 16cv-5524. The case is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Gerald Pappert, an Obama appointee.

The Republican Party brief, asking for a preliminary injunction, does not mention any of the recent court precedents in Pennsylvania striking down laws on residency requirements for petitioners.


Comments

Pennsylvania Republican Party Sues to Overturn Residency Requirement for Poll Watchers — 6 Comments

  1. The county jurisdiction LIMIT stuff goes back merely to England since 1066 — a mere 900 years plus — but even perhaps to the AD 600s — formation of the English counties after the rot of the Roman Empire.


    ALL mail ballots. — Oregon survives.
    P.R. and nonpartisan App.V.

  2. The couhty residency requirement is actually a decent idea. You are usually required to have personal knowledge to suggest a voter is invalid. What are you going to do otherwise, randomly state a voter is invaid because they look like they will vote for the other side? The only place I really see unlocal watchers being valid are where same day reistration is taking place or maybe interpretation of some ID states.

  3. A poll watcher can also check that the election officials are following the correct procedures.

  4. OAS are neutral observers and don’t interfere in any way.

    That’s the difference between them and a politically party appointed poll watcher who can challenge a voter.

    As to the court case Is this the same position the GOP has with other cases where residency may matter or is it being selective?

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