PENNSYLVANIA, USA — As Pennsylvania approaches the general election, concerns regarding potential voter registration fraud and ongoing voter suppression lawsuits have heightened among voters.
And while these investigations should be taken seriously, political science experts emphasize the importance of being informed about these issues to ensure overall election safety.
In the past week, a series of investigations and lawsuits have emerged surrounding the upcoming election, most notably a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump’s campaign against the Bucks County Board of Elections.
The lawsuit claims that several voters were incorrectly turned away from the election office before Tuesday’s 5 p.m. deadline for submitting voter registration and mail-in ballot applications.
Trump’s efforts extend beyond the courtroom. On social media, he raised alarms about the election process in Pennsylvania, a move that has contributed to increasing concerns about voter fraud.
Sarah Niebler, an associate professor of political science at Dickinson College, noted that while allegations of voter fraud are not new, Trump’s influence has brought heightened awareness and concern among the public.
“Former President Trump’s rhetoric has elevated the conversation surrounding voter fraud, leading more people to worry about these issues,” Niebler stated. She pointed out that these allegations often target the opposing party, exacerbating the political divide.
In response to the former president’s posts, Governor Josh Shapiro assured residents that Pennsylvania election clerks are diligently performing their duties. His remarks aimed to reassure voters and counter the former president’s claims.
On October 30, a judge sided with Trump, granting an extension for in-person voting options in suburban Philadelphia, where voters reported long lines and inadequate preparedness from election officials that hindered their ability to participate in the election.
South-central Pennsylvania has also experienced a slew of fraud allegations. In the last week Lancaster, York, and Monroe Counties have flagged suspicious activities concerning voter registration and mail-in ballot applications.
Election officials continue to investigate the claims surrounding voter registration fraud, though they are exercising caution before confirming any fraudulent submissions.
According to the Heritage Foundation, Pennsylvania has recorded a total of 35 instances of proven voter fraud over the past three decades, while Nationally, the figure stands at just over 1,500.
Niebler pointed out that, given the millions of votes cast in U.S. elections, instances of fraud remain exceedingly rare.
“The actual instances of fraud are in the single digits compared to the total number of votes cast,” Niebler explained, indicating that such allegations could often be misleading.
Niebler asserted that despite rising concerns, county election offices employ many checks to ensure voting remains fair and equitable for eligible citizens.
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. More information on voter registration or how to track a mail-in ballot can be found here.