WASHINGTON, DC – RITE is supporting litigation brought by Allegheny County Board of Elections member Sam DeMarco and four county voters in their effort to stop County Executive Sara Innamorato’s blatant disregard for Pennsylvania election law and the Commonwealth’s Sunshine Act.
Pennsylvania law is clear that any decision to establish “Satellite Election Offices” – commonly referred to as ballot drop boxes – rests with the county board of elections and can be made only after the board has given the public an opportunity to be heard on the matter. County Executive Innamorato ignored these fundamental tenets of Pennsylvania law, and decreed, without input from either the board or the public, not only to revive the practice of operating Satellite Election Offices, but also where to place them, and how to staff them.
“County Executive Innamorato cannot ignore her legal obligations to consult with other members of the county board of elections and the public no matter how eager she may be to impose her will on the citizens of Allegheny CountyThe County Executive may not care what her fellow citizens have to say about ballot drop boxes, but she is required by law to at least hear them out. And while she may wish she could dispense with her fellow board members, on this issue, she is but one vote among three. Under the law, whether Allegheny County will once again operate Satellite Election Offices is to be deliberated and resolved, not dictated and decreed.”
– Derek Lyons, President of RITE
“There has been no communication at all from the County Executive, leaving no option but to pursue litigation. Instead of working to set hearings and a vote, the county executive is doubling down on breaking the rules. The Board of Elections is the proper venue to make this decision. I’m hopeful we can resolve this issue before voting begins.”
– Sam DeMarco, a member of the Board of Elections.
Background
On February 22, 2024, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato issued a press release stating that the county would operate five new drop box locations leading up to the upcoming presidential primary on Tuesday, April 23. Innamorato acted alone, without public input or approval from the county board of elections, both of which are required by law. The lawsuit argues that any decision to use drop boxes must be made by the county board of elections after having provided the public an opportunity to be heard. Inamorato’s decision, made behind closed doors, violates Pennsylvania’s Election Code and Sunshine Act, the latter of which ensures transparency and promotes accountability in government decision making.
The lawsuit asks the court to block implementation of Inamorato’s unilateral and unlawful decision to operate drop boxes in the upcoming primary.
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