The Pennsylvania challenge process for the statewide Libertarian Party is still proceeding, and it is not expected to be finished until next week. Federal law requires that foreign absentee ballots be mailed no later than Saturday, September 22.

In the past, when Pennsylvania’s process hasn’t been finished in time for the deadline for mailing overseas absentee ballots, the state has printed the challenged candidate’s name on the ballot, with the understanding that if the challenge succeeds in the end and defeats ballot access, the overseas voters will be sent notice that votes for certain candidates won’t be counted. Obviously this is a flawed and cumbersome process. There is always the hope that the objectors will give up their challenge, because statistically, it is extremely likely that the Libertarian petition has enough valid signatures.