Republicans Challenge Mail-In Ballot Count in Pennsylvania Senate Race Amid Recount

Pennsylvania Senate Election Update

Republicans filed lawsuits in Pennsylvania amid the ongoing vote counting for the U.S. Senate election between Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican David McCormick. The lawsuits seek to prevent counties from counting mail-in ballots that lack a date on the return envelope or have an incorrect date. This legal action is part of preparations for a recount.

As of Thursday, McCormick leads by about 24,000 votes, within the 0.5% margin that requires a statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. The Associated Press projected McCormick as the likely winner, stating that remaining ballots were unlikely to change the outcome.

The national and state Republican parties requested the state Supreme Court to stop counties from counting certain ballots, claiming this practice violates state law. Pennsylvania Republican Party chair Lawrence Tabas criticized the counties’ actions as lawless.

Democratic election boards in counties like Montgomery and Philadelphia opted to count the disputed ballots, while McCormick’s campaign separately contested the Bucks County decision. Democrats historically have supported counting ballots that miss minor requirements, viewing these as trivial.

Provisional ballots, which require additional verification, continue to be processed in several counties. With about 80,000 ballots still uncounted, election officials must complete the recount by noon on November 26. Experts believe this recount may not significantly alter the final vote totals.

Both candidates have been active this week in Washington, with Casey participating in Senate sessions and McCormick preparing for Senate leadership roles after recent elections.