Pennsylvania
Partisan gridlock prevents fixes to Pennsylvania’s voting laws as presidential election looms
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania is seeing lots of action targeting gaps in its vote-by-mail laws. The problem is that it’s in the courtroom and not the legislature.
That could make the most populous presidential swing state a hotbed of challenges and conspiracy theories if the November election is close, as expected.
The state also has a U.S. Senate contest between Democratic incumbent Bob Casey and Republican challenger David McCormick that will help determine control of the chamber, increasing scrutiny on election offices if lawmakers can’t break a partisan stalemate and vote-counting is slowed by mailed ballots.
“Everyone just really feels how high the stakes are in Pennsylvania, being the largest swing state in the country,” said Lauren Cristella, president and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, a Philadelphia-based good-government group.
Political gridlock in Pennsylvania over election laws dates to 2019, when a Republican-controlled legislature greatly expanded voting by mail in a compromise with then-Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.
Within months, then-President Donald Trump began, without evidence, demonizing voting by mail as rife with fraud, turning Republican voters against it and leading Republican lawmakers to backtrack on their support. He has taken contradictory stances this year — promoting mail voting while also supporting lawsuits against it.
The attacks on mail voting have created partisan battle lines around attempts to fix it in Pennsylvania.
Democrats also want to add early in-person voting, a convenience already adopted by most states, but it’s been a nonstarter for Republicans. Unlike some other states, Pennsylvanian voters can’t change their election laws because the state constitution doesn’t allow citizens to write their own ballot initiatives.
As a result, election-related lawsuits are sprouting in state, federal and county courts, nearly all targeting mail-in voting.
Across the country, Republicans are trying more than ever now to get their voters to vote by mail, a striking change for a party that amplified conspiracy theories about mail ballots in an attempt to explain away Trump’s 2020 loss.
Still, voting by mail remains largely the province of Democrats. In Pennsylvania, roughly three-fourths of mail-in ballots tend to be cast by Democrats.
Among the most important fixes to the state’s mail balloting law is one sought by counties. It would allow local election offices to begin processing mail-in ballots before Election Day, something nearly every other state with mail voting allows. That would help them produce results more quickly on election night.
Democrats also have sought to resolve a storm of litigation by clarifying the law so that mail-in ballots that lack a handwritten date on the outer envelope, a signature or an inner secrecy envelope can still be counted. Thousands of those ballots get thrown out, although Democratic-leaning counties typically try to help voters fix those errors, so their ballots will count.
Without any fixes in state law, Democrats expect a repeat in November of the chaos around the 2020 election.
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party chair, Sharif Street, said the state is capable of having a fair and well-run election under its existing laws. But, he said, Trump and his allies aren’t interested in that.
“He doesn’t want a smooth process in Pennsylvania or anywhere, because he believes that the chaos benefits him both in the run-up to the election, because he can rally people around saying that ‘There is going to be a steal,’ and then post-election … (he can) point to irregularities to say that he is the rightful winner, when in fact he’s lost,” Street said.
Trump has been sowing doubts about this year’s election for months. At a rally last weekend, he said only widespread fraud could prevent him from getting reelected. “The only way they can beat us is to cheat,” he told supporters in Las Vegas.
Baseless allegations about fraud filled the vacuum during Pennsylvania’s protracted post-election vote count in 2020.
Charlie Gerow, a longtime Republican activist and strategist in Pennsylvania, said the GOP will be prepared to report and document fraud in ways it wasn’t prepared for in that year’s election. To be clear, voter fraud is extremely rare, typically involves just a few ballots and even involves Republican voters — some of whom have cast extra ballots for Trump.
An Associated Press investigation in 2021 found fewer than 475 cases of potential voter fraud across the six states where Trump disputed his loss, not nearly enough to tip the election. In Pennsylvania alone, Biden beat Trump by more than 80,000 votes.
When Democrats brought legislation to a House vote seeking to let counties process mailed ballots before Election Day — called pre-canvassing — a Republican lawmaker warned it “could lead to various forms of abuse and fraud.”
Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, a Republican, said he hasn’t heard of a single state where that sort of fraud has occurred.
The legislation passed the Pennsylvania House, which is narrowly controlled by Democrats, but is stalled in the Senate, where majority Republicans are demanding that the House first pass a constitutional amendment to expand voter identification requirements.
“I am very worried about public perception and public concern that our process is not secure, and we need to figure out opportunities to make that process more secure,” said Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, a Republican.
Democratic House Majority Leader Matt Bradford said he also is worried by the legislative stalemate and its potential impact in November.
“We passed pre-canvassing to try to bring some semblance of certainty quickly, to give people a winner as quickly and accurately as possible,” Bradford said. “That has continued to languish.”
Meanwhile, fights over mail voting in the state are piling up in the courts.
One lawsuit by Republican lawmakers would force mail-in ballots to be counted in polling places, rather than county election offices. That would add “immense complexity and burden to election administration,” county governments opposed to the lawsuit said in court documents.
Democrats and left-leaning groups are suing in state and federal courts over the practice of throwing out mail-in ballots with a missing or incorrect handwritten date on the outer envelope.
And at least two Republican-controlled counties are being sued over their refusal to help voters fix technical errors with mail-in ballots — such as a missing date or inner secrecy envelope — to avoid the ballot getting tossed out.
A bright spot is that counties are getting better at counting mail-in ballots.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 2.6 million voters — nearly 40% of the total in Pennsylvania — cast ballots by mail. That overwhelmed counties and required almost four days of post-election vote-counting before a presidential winner could be declared, deciding the contest.
Counties since then have bought more high-speed processing equipment and fine-tuned their Election Day routines to count more efficiently.
Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, expects to produce results on election night. In 2020, it needed most of the next day.
Philadelphia expects to wrap up most of its counting this fall within roughly 24 hours after polls close, a task that could be finished by election night if given the ability to process the ballots before Election Day.
“That is a very normal practice that happens all over the country,” said Seth Bluestein, a Republican election commissioner in Philadelphia. “The fact that we can’t do that in Pennsylvania is what will cause us to not count all the ballots on election night. It is the only cause, and the Legislature could have fixed it.”
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Some Pennsylvania towns make it easy to feel included within a day of arriving. In Lititz, summer concerts at Lititz Springs Park turn into informal reunions, with families setting up lawn chairs side by side and local shop owners joining once they lock their doors for the evening. In Boiling Springs, the path around Children’s Lake doubles as a daily check-in point where walkers greet each other by name before drifting into the cafés along Front Street. And in Ligonier, the Diamond and its bandstand pull residents downtown for markets and community events that rely on volunteers rather than outside organizers. The same pattern carries through the rest of the towns on our list.
Lititz
Lititz is in Lancaster County, about 6 miles north of the city of Lancaster. Founded in 1756, the town was named after a castle in Bohemia and initially served as a Moravian congregation settlement. Lititz is home to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, established in 1861 as the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States.
Lititz Springs Park, a historic community hub since 1756, hosts various yearly events, notably the well-known Lititz Fourth of July Celebration. For dining, the Appalachian Brewing Company provides locally brewed beers and a distinctive menu showcasing regional dishes. The Wilbur Chocolate Factory, a landmark since the late 1800s, includes a museum and shop where visitors can explore chocolate-making processes and buy unique confections.
Boiling Springs
Boiling Springs, in Cumberland County, owes its name to the natural artesian springs that maintain a constant temperature and were crucial to early ironworks in the area. Established in the 18th century, it is also part of the Appalachian Trail community, underscoring its long-standing connection to nature and history. The town’s historic district includes the Iron Furnace, dating to 1760 and a testament to Boiling Springs’ early industrial role.
The town features a variety of attractions for visitors and residents. Allenberry Resort and Playhouse, a historic venue since the mid-20th century, provides entertainment, dining, and lodging options. The Boiling Springs Tavern, founded in 1832, offers classic American cuisine in a historic environment. For outdoor enjoyment, Children’s Lake is perfect for fishing and relaxing walks, and the Appalachian Trail runs through the center of the community, offering great hiking opportunities.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe sits in the Lehigh Gorge in eastern Pennsylvania, and was originally known as Mauch Chunk and played a pivotal role in the coal and railroad industries. Renamed in 1954 to honor the legendary athlete Jim Thorpe, the town retains a Victorian era charm, with much of its architecture preserved and celebrated. This heritage is evident in attractions such as the Asa Packer Mansion, built in 1861 by a philanthropist and railroad magnate, which now serves as a museum.
Visitors to Jim Thorpe can choose from various recreation and dining options. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provides a scenic ride through the mountains, perfect for enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Dining choices include Moya, famous for its upscale American dishes, and Stone Row Pub & Eatery, offering a relaxed atmosphere with local ingredients. Outdoor lovers can enjoy boating and hiking at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, making the town an attractive destination.
Ligonier
Ligonier was established in the 1760s and features a rich colonial history highlighted by Fort Ligonier, a British fortification from the French and Indian War. The town square, known as the Diamond, is circled by original structures and a bandstand from the 19th century, reinforcing its historical ambiance.
Fort Ligonier functions as both a museum showcasing 18th-century artifacts and a venue for reenactments and educational activities. The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art enriches visitors with American art exhibitions. Dining options in Ligonier include the historic Ligonier Tavern, known for its local cuisine, and The Wicked Googly, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and live music. For outdoor leisure, Ligonier Beach offers a distinctive swimming experience with a historic pool from 1925.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro, located in Tioga County, was established in 1806 and acts as the gateway to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as Pine Creek Gorge. The town exudes nostalgic charm with its gas-lit streets and historic Victorian buildings, offering a window into its storied history. A prime example of this history is the Penn Wells Hotel, which has been serving visitors since the early 1900s.
For those wanting to explore Wellsboro, the restored 1920s movie theater, The Arcadia Theatre, regularly features films and performances, serving as a cultural center for locals and visitors. The Native Bagel offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Outdoor lovers can enjoy Leonard Harrison State Park, which offers stunning views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, along with trails and picnic spots. Furthermore, the annual Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival attracts crowds with its parade, arts and crafts, and local food stalls, honoring the area’s cultural traditions.
Foxburg
Foxburg, situated along the Allegheny River in Clarion County, was founded in 1870. It is famous for being home to the oldest golf course still in operation in the United States, the Foxburg Country Club, established in 1887. This historical feature adds to its charming and distinctive character, blending small-town American charm with a deep golf tradition.
The Foxburg Wine Cellars offers tastings of locally produced wines, complemented by a scenic setting. For dining, the Allegheny Grille provides riverfront views alongside a menu featuring regional cuisine, emphasizing the town’s picturesque location. Culture enthusiasts can explore the American Golf Hall of Fame, located within the Foxburg Country Club, which houses a collection of golf memorabilia and artifacts. For outdoor activities, the nearby Allegheny River Trail offers miles of biking and walking paths, making Foxburg a destination with diverse appeal.
Honesdale
Honesdale serves as the county seat for Wayne County and was founded in 1826. It has historical significance as the terminus of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, pivotal in the transport of coal to major markets in the northeast. Notably, Honesdale is credited with being the site of the first commercial steam locomotive run on rails in the United States, the Stourbridge Lion, adding a rich layer to its industrial heritage.
The Wayne County Historical Society presents exhibits on canal and railroad history, shedding light on the town’s growth. For dining, visitors can choose the upscale Hotel Wayne, known for its fine dining and bistro bar, or the more relaxed Trackside Grill, offering views of the historic railroad. Outdoor lovers can visit Honesdale Park, which has walking paths and recreational facilities, serving as a popular venue for community events and gatherings.
Milford
Milford is situated at the crossroads of the Delaware River and the Pocono Mountains’ foothills. Established in 1796, it rapidly gained popularity as a resort in the 19th century, thanks to its scenic landscape and fresh mountain air. The town is also renowned for the Milford Historic District, which features a range of well-preserved buildings that reflect its prosperous history.
The Columns Museum houses the famous Lincoln Flag, believed to be stained with Abraham Lincoln’s blood from the night of his assassination, providing a profound historical experience. For dining, Bar Louis at the Hotel Fauchère offers a contemporary menu in a stylish setting, while the Waterwheel Café provides a rustic atmosphere with live music and local cuisine. Additionally, Grey Towers National Historic Site, the former home of Gifford Pinchot, founder of the U.S. Forest Service, offers guided tours and scenic grounds.
Mount Joy
Mount Joy was founded in 1759 and has a name derived from an old Irish ship, the “Mountjoy,” which played a pivotal role in breaking a siege during the Irish Confederate Wars. This town, nestled among the rich, rolling farmlands of the county, has historically been a hub for agriculture and today melds historic charm with modern vibrancy, evident in its revitalized downtown area.
Bube’s Brewery, an intact historic 19th-century brewery and museum, offers unique dining experiences in its catacombs and regularly hosts murder mystery dinners. The Country Table Restaurant is known for its comfort food and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the town’s friendly spirit. For outdoor activities, Little Chiques Park provides scenic walking paths and picnic areas, perfect for family outings. Additionally, the annual “Mount Joy Winterfest” brings the community together with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, showcasing the town’s lively community spirit.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg is a vibrant town established in 1785. It is home to Bucknell University, established in 1846, which adds a youthful energy and cultural richness to the town. Lewisburg’s downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a tree-lined main street that enhances its historic charm.
In terms of activities and dining, Lewisburg offers a variety of choices that cater to both residents and visitors. The Campus Theatre, one of the few remaining single-screen art deco movie theaters in the country, offers a unique cinematic experience. For dining, Elizabeth’s American Bistro provides a fine dining experience using local ingredients, while the Bull Run Tap House offers a more casual atmosphere with a comprehensive selection of craft beers. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hufnagle Park offers a green retreat in the heart of the town, complete with walking paths and garden areas, making it a popular gathering place for community events and casual recreation.
As we journey through Pennsylvania’s coziest corners, we discover that these small towns do more than just charm visitors with their picturesque settings and historical backdrops. They invite us into a world where community spirit thrives and every street and alley tells a story. These towns, from Lititz’s pretzel-perfumed air to Lewisburg’s university vibes, showcase the true heart of Pennsylvania through their unyielding warmth and hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat or a peek into America’s storied past, these towns offer a refuge where friendliness is the native language.
Pennsylvania
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