IssueDonohueDoughertyWechtCaseSummary

Issue

PA-Voter-Scorecard-2025-DonohuePA-Voter-Scorecard-2025-DoughertyPA-Voter-Scorecard-2025-Wecht

Case

Summary

Should court require mail ballots be evaluated equally for all 67 counties?Icon-X-01Icon-X-01Icon-X-01RNC, et al, v. Chapman, et al, 100MAP 2022The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that undated mail-in ballots must not be counted, affirming state election law requiring voters to date the outer envelope declaration.
Are mail ballot dropboxes acceptable?Icon-Checkmark-01Icon-Checkmark-01Icon-Checkmark-01Pennsylvania Democratic Party, et al v. Boockvar, et al, 133 MM 2020, September 8, 2020Court authorized drop boxes amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Accepting Ballots 3 Days After 2020 Presidential ElectionIcon-X-01Icon-Checkmark-01Icon-Checkmark-01Pennsylvania Democratic Party, et al v. Boockvar, et al, 133 MM 2020, September 8, 2020Court extended the mail-in ballot receipt deadline to three days after Election Day for timely postmarked ballots amid COVID-19.
Can Court require counties to allow Voters to Cure Deficient Mail Ballots?Icon-X-01Icon-X-01Icon-X-01Pennsylvania Democratic Party, et al v. Boockvar, et al, 133 MM 2020, September 8, 2020Court found that Pennsylvania law does not provide for a right to cure deficient ballots.
Allow Mail Ballots with Missing Secrecy EnvelopesIcon-X-01Icon-X-01Icon-X-01Pennsylvania Democratic Party, et al v. Boockvar, et al, 133 MM 2020, September 8, 2020Court required secrecy envelopes to avoid "naked ballots" amid COVID-19.
Poll Watchers Must Live in the CountyIcon-Checkmark-01Icon-Checkmark-01Icon-Checkmark-01Pennsylvania Democratic Party, et al v. Boockvar, et al, 133 MM 2020, September 8, 2020Court limited poll watchers to only be county residents amid COVID-19.
May Observers Meaningfully View Ballot Counting?Icon-X-01Icon-X-01Icon-X-01In Re: Canvassing Operation; 425 EAL 2020/30 EAP 2020Court reversed a lower court order allowing GOP observers closer access to Philadelphia's ballot canvassing. Held that the law requires observers to be present, but permits a viewing distance of 6-18 feet.
All Mail Ballots are Evaluated Under Equal Rules (appeal request)Icon-X-01Icon-X-01Icon-X-01In Re: Canvass of absentee and mail-in ballots of November 3, 2020 general election (676 MAL 2020)Court ruled that mail ballots should not be rejected solely for missing handwritten names, addresses, or dates on outer envelopes if signed.
Can the Court require counties to notify voters that their mail-in ballots were defective and set aside?Icon-Checkmark-01Icon-Checkmark-01Icon-X-01Coalfield Justice v. Washington County Board of Elections, (28 WAP 2024)Court ruled it violates due process for Washington County to set aside and not count defective mail ballots without notifying voters their ballots would be disqualified.
Public Interest Legal Foundation