Pennsylvania Democratic Counties Challenge

Lawsuit filed by the Trump campaign against the Pennsylvania secretary of the commonwealth and county boards of elections challenging the election results in various Democratic counties based on allegations that the elections officials violated the state election code by not enacting enough “procedural safeguards to deter fraud and ensure transparency” regarding the processing of mail-in ballots and not allowing poll watchers observe the process. The district court denied the plaintiffs’ request for injunctive relief and dismissed the case, writing that the Trump campaign presented “strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations.” Upon appeal, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Trump campaign’s motion for injunctive relief and affirmed the district court’s decision barring the Trump campaign from filing another amended complaint. The Trump campaign petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to review the petition on an expedited basis, meaning that the 3rd Circuit’s ruling remained in place and the Pennsylvania election results were certified. The Supreme Court later denied the petition.

This case was one of the lawsuits former President Donald Trump and his allies brought in an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Last updated: August 17, 2021 5:03 pm EST