Legal Claim: Unauthorized Ballot Drop-Off Locations Set Up by Anti-Trump Officer in Pennsylvania County

Allegations ⁣have surfaced against Democrat Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato for illegally ​designating ⁣unconventional ⁤sites, like skating rinks, as mail-in ballot drop-off points – a controversial move echoing the expansion from the 2020 election‌ season.

Elected in the⁢ previous⁣ November, Innamorato is ‌accused of sidelining ⁢the county’s ⁤electoral board, keeping⁤ her plans away‍ from public​ scrutiny and establishing these locations without consensus.

The Lawsuit: Questioning the Legality

A fresh lawsuit ⁤is challenging ⁢Innamorato’s actions, suggesting they breach Pennsylvania’s strict Election Code ⁣and​ the transparency requirements ‌of the Sunshine Act.

‍ “Innamorato’s rush to implement her agenda can’t ⁤bypass legal‍ and collaborative processes,” said Derek Lyons, President of RITE, which supports the lawsuit⁣ filed by board member Sam DeMarco and local voters.
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Within Legal ⁤Boundaries?

While‍ Innamorato’s intentions may seem in the spirit‍ of⁤ voter accessibility, DeMarco emphasizes‌ the necessity of law​ adherence and‌ fair proceedings, hinting ⁣at potential partisan motives behind the​ push for additional​ drop-offs ⁢in a dominantly Democratic county.

Commitment to Procedure

DeMarco expresses concern⁣ over ⁣Innamorato’s actions‌ during the ⁣primaries, questioning her potential moves⁤ come ‍the general ⁣election while fellow Democrat Councilwoman Bethany Hallam acknowledges, regardless ⁢of her support for drop boxes, that the move should follow ⁢state⁢ mandates.

Official state guidance underscores​ that​ all ⁣decisions regarding ballot return methods,‍ including⁢ the ‍establishment of drop-off locations, are to⁣ be decided by the county boards.

A Contested Approach

In⁢ response to inquiries, Innamorato describes her decision as an administrative necessity, defending​ it as an‍ extension of 2020’s voting practices. Yet, her predecessor Rich Fitzgerald scaled back these practices,​ citing mailboxes as adequate drop points and flagging potential issues regarding ​cost and security.

Innamorato, with a history of ‌advocating for change and challenging‌ the status quo, including supporting Senator Bernie Sanders, faces criticism for her alleged district characterization and for vowing to oust Trump⁣ in 2020.

As the dialogue around Innamorato’s ballot box saga unravels, ‌all eyes turn ⁤to the⁤ evolving landscape of electoral integrity and access in Allegheny County.