Consent Decree Confirms Innamorato Circumvented Public Review
WASHINGTON, DC – In response to a lawsuit launched by RITE to enforce Pennsylvania law, County Executive Sara Innamorato has acknowledged that she lacks authority to unilaterally mandate the use of drop boxes in any elections conducted in Allegheny County. Accordingly, her previous attempt to do so is invalid and unenforceable.
“Those like County Executive Innamorato who administer elections have a solemn obligation to scrupulously follow the law rather than rush to impose their partisan wish lists on their fellow citizens. Citizens need to have confidence that those with power over their lives will follow the rules, and that is especially true for election administrators whose work is essential to ensuring that election results reflect the true will of the people. Unfortunately, too many election officials want to run elections according to their own views, rather than according to what the law requires. Today’s resolution of this case holding Innamorato accountable for her unlawful conduct will help build confidence in elections going forward.”
-Derek Lyons, President of RITE.
Background
A consent decree was filed with the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas confirming that Innamorato’s unilateral declaration regarding drop boxes violated state law. As a result, both the public and the other members of the County Board of Elections will have their voices heard about whether to use drop boxes in upcoming elections, where they should be put, and how they should be staffed and monitored.
RITE will continue to closely monitor Innamorato’s management of county elections.
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