Republican lawsuits target rules for overseas voters, but those ballots are already sent

FILE – Chester County, Pa., election workers process mail-in and absentee ballots at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., Nov. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

ATLANTA (AP) — The latest method of voting to fall into the political crosshairs is the way overseas voters — including members of the military stationed abroad — cast their ballots.

The process is governed by federal law and implemented by states. In recent weeks, Republicans have been challenging how states handle these voters, something former President Donald Trump didn’t do in 2020 when he and his allies challenged his loss in court.

But things have changed, with just a month before Election Day and a tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. It’s part of a broader legal strategy by Republicans to position themselves for post-election challenges should Trump lose.

Ballots already have been sent to overseas and military voters under a federally mandated deadline. Trump and his Republican allies contend these ballots could be part of an elaborate scheme to steal the election from him, a claim for which there is no evidence. Their challenge comes as the voters who receive the ballots are increasingly from groups that are presumed to be Democratic.

Here’s a look at the issues involved and what’s driving the claims.

Who are these voters?

Congress passed a law in 1986 that was signed by then-President Ronald Reagan requiring states to allow certain groups of citizens to register and vote absentee in federal elections. Known as the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, or UOCAVA, it applies to military members, their family and U.S. citizens living outside the country.

In 2020, states sent more than 1.2 million ballots to military and overseas voters. Of those, more than 900,000 were returned and nearly 890,000 were counted, according to data collected by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Before 2016, military members and eligible family members represented most of these voters, according to the commission. But that has shifted slightly. In 2020, overseas citizens accounted for 57.4% of the registered voters. Overall, 40% of all military and overseas ballots were cast in three states: California, Florida and Washington.

That shift explains why Trump and other Republicans may be turning on the program. While military voters are presumed to vote for the GOP, other overseas voters are widely assumed to lean Democratic. This year, for the first time, the Democratic Party is spending money to try to turn them out.

The Federal Voting Assistance Program, which supports military and overseas voters, estimates that 2.8 million U.S. citizens of voting age were living overseas in 2022.

Election officials who receive their applications “do everything they can to verify that these are eligible voters and not just persons without any kind of identification,” said Election Assistance Commission member Christy A. McCormick.

How do overseas voters register and cast ballots?

Federal law allows qualified military or overseas voters to register to vote and request an absentee ballot at the same time, using what is known as the federal postcard application, which can be submitted electronically in many states. This is aimed at addressing the challenges military and overseas voters can face, such as slow or even unavailable mail delivery. Other accommodations include requiring states to have a system for delivering ballots electronically.

The federal postcard application asks applicants to provide their name, address, birth date, Social Security number and driver’s license. That information is logged and checked based on state procedures, according to Tammy Patrick, a former election official with the National Association of Election Officials.

“It’s not the case that anyone in the world can apply for a ballot. They still have to demonstrate they are an eligible American citizen,” she said.

Each person completing the form must also sign an oath under penalty of perjury that the information is correct, that they are a U.S. citizen, that they are not disqualified from voting and are not requesting a ballot or voting in any other jurisdiction in the U.S.

Unlike other voters, overseas voters can use an address where they have not lived for several years.

All but 13 states allow U.S. citizens born overseas but who have never lived in the U.S. to register and vote using a parent’s last residential address, according to data collected by the Election Assistance Commission.

What are the Republicans’ claims?

In Pennsylvania, a group of Republican members of Congress is asking a federal judge to order county elections officials to verify the identity and eligibility of military and overseas voters. They also want ballots cast by those voters to be kept apart from other ballots for the Nov. 5 election.

The lawsuit claims current practices have created “an illegally structured election process which makes Pennsylvania’s elections vulnerable to ineligible votes by individuals or entities who could purport to be UOCAVA-eligible.”

Out of nearly 27,000 military and overseas ballots cast in Pennsylvania in 2020, 1,363 — or 5% — were rejected. That’s a higher rejection rate than all but one state, according to federal data.

The lawsuits filed by the Republican National Committee argue that Michigan and North Carolina should not be allowing overseas voters who have never lived in their state to vote.

Why are these claims being raised now?

The warnings about overseas ballot fraud join a very long list of Trump allegations of rampant fraud in U.S. elections, even though there has been no evidence of any widespread fraud. Reviewsrecounts and audits in the battleground states where Trump disputed his 2020 loss all affirmed President Joe Biden’s victory, and his own attorney general said there was no evidence of fraud that could have tipped the election.

Trump has claimed without evidence that huge numbers of non-citizens vote, that mail ballots are forged and that voting machines are secretly programmed against him. The goal has been to sow doubt about the reliability of any election he loses, enabling him to try to overturn his defeat.

Politically, Trump has tried to distinguish between military voters, who traditionally vote Republican, and other overseas voters. The Democratic Party in August announced it planned to spend about $300,000 trying to turn out overseas voters on behalf of Harris, its first expenditure on that group.

“They want to dilute the TRUE vote of our beautiful military and their families,” Trump claimed of Democrats in a Sept. 23 post on his social media network.

It’s likely, though, that challenges to these voters would carry consequences for both groups, including the military voters that Republicans routinely count on to pad their totals in close elections.

A spokesperson for the Republican National Committee said the litigation is aimed at preventing unlawful votes from diluting lawful ones.

“The point of the election integrity lawsuits is to fix the holes that we know exist as much as possible before the election,” RNC spokesperson Claire Zunk said.

What do election officials say?

With less than a month before the Nov. 5 election, now is not the time to raise objections to state law that has been in place for 13 years, said Patrick Gannon, a spokesman for the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

“This lawsuit was filed after voting had already begun in North Carolina for the general election,” Gannon said in a statement. “The time to challenge the rules for voter eligibility is well before an election, not after votes have already been cast.”

In Michigan, the relevant state laws and procedures also have been on the books for years, according to state election officials. A state law passed in 1995 says a spouse or dependent of an overseas voter who is a U.S. citizen can register using their parent’s or spouse’s Michigan address.

State election officials said local offices follow standard procedures to check the identity of all those seeking to register to vote in Michigan. That includes military and overseas voters, who are required to renew their status every year. Their ballots also are subject to the same checks as those cast by non-military and overseas voters, including signature verification.

“This is not a legitimate legal concern — just the latest in the RNC’s PR campaign to spread unfounded distrust in the integrity of our elections,” said Angela Benander, spokeswoman for the Michigan secretary of state’s office.

In Pennsylvania, ballots cast by ineligible voters occur at “extremely low” rates and are investigated, said Matt Heckel, spokesman for the state election office. Heckel said anyone who lies on the form faces substantial penalties, including a potential felony conviction, prison sentence and fine.

The Democratic National Committee has filed a motion to dismiss the Pennsylvania case.

“Plaintiffs’ inexcusably belated request for relief in the middle of an election would create chaos for election administration, confuse voters and potentially disenfranchise tens of thousands of eligible Pennsylvanians who wear their nation’s uniform or are otherwise living overseas,” the DNC said in its brief.

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Riccardi reported from Denver. Associated Press writers Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.

Economy Elementary School named a National Blue Ribbon School

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published October 14, 2024 1:27 P.M.
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

(Economy Borough, Pa) Dr. Joseph Pasquerilla, superintendent of Economy Elementary School told Beaver County Radio that the US Department of  Education notified them as a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon Award award. A reception honoring the school will be held in the high school’s Media Center on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 6:30pm. Mrs. Aphrodite Galitsis is the principal at Economy Elementary School.

Motor vehicle crash causes extensive damage on Aliquippa

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published October 14, 2024 1:24 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Last Saturday night, Aliquippa Fire Chief Tim Firich reported that the department responded to the 200 block of Station Street. Electric and communications lines were down due to the crash, according to the report. The cause of the crash wasn’t available. Sully’s Towing and the fire department remained on scene for 3 hours, according to the chief.

Aliquippa business damaged by a pickup truck due to a medical emergency

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published October 14, 2024 1:23 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Last Thursday night, the Aliquippa Fire Department and Medic Rescue responded for a pickup truck that crashed into the Franklin Avenue Mini Mart in the 400 block of Franklin Avenue. It was determined, according to Fire Chief Tim Firich, the driver suffered a medical emergency and was transported to the hospital. The chief, in his report, said that Sully’s Towing and firefighters removed the vehicle from the building.

Aliquippa Police apprehend 2 fugitives from Westmoreland County

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published October 14, 2024 1:20 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) On Sunday morning a report was issued to Aliquippa Police by the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s office Fugitive Task Force for a LPR hit on a Black Dodge charger  in the area of the city. The report stated that the fugitives were on the run due to an incident that occurred involving an officer being assaulted and for fleeing and eluding police.

According to the report, Aliquippa police spotted the vehicle in the area of the Hollywood Bridge at 16th Street and they were able to identify the vehicle ‘s license plate from information provided by the Fugitive Task Force. Aliquippa Police initiated the traffic stop. The male in the rear seat of  the vehicle was identified as 43 year old Westley Matthews, and the driver was identified as Bobbi Jo Hutchinson. Thier warrants were confirmed by Aliquippa Police. The pair were handed over to the Westmoreland County Fugitive Task Force and transported there to face charges for the incident involving the assault of a Scottsdale Police Officer.

Beaver County Chamber’s Monday Memo: 10/14/24

Join us for our Annual Meeting & Business of the Year Awards Dinner as we celebrate the past year’s accomplishments and celebrate our award winners.

  • Large Business of the Year: Michael Baker International
  • Small Business of the Year: Pittsburgh International Race Complex
  • Non-Profit of the Year: St. Barnabas Health System, Inc. Beaver Meadows
  • Energy & Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Award: Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
  • Leadership Beaver County Award: Lisa Purk
  • Shon D. Owens, Sr. Diversity Award: Sisters of St. Joseph
  • Lynell Scaff Citizen of the Year: DJ Frye
  • Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Kristen Doerschner
  • Entrepreneur of the Year: Leroy Ball (BIL Holdings, LLC)

November 6th from 5 PM – 8 PM at The Club At Shadow Lakes

Join us on November 6th as we celebrate the contributions of this year’s

award winners, celebrating with food stations, cocktails, networking,

and music. You will also receive an update on the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce initiatives.

Member Rate: $65.00

Non-Member Rate: $85.00

Sponsorship Opportunities: If you are interested in any sponsorships, please contact Molly Suehr at msuehr@bcchamber.com or call 724.906.4286.

REGISTER HERE for Business of the Year Awards & Annual Meeting  
View Full Event Calendar
On Thursday, October 10th, we joined Seth Whitted at the Ribbon Cutting for his dream turned reality, CONTENT HOUSE Whitted Media Services, located in Downtown Beaver Falls. This was a fantastic opportunity to see the capabilities offered at CONTENT HOUSE and network with many friends and family, business owners, and community leaders. View all the photos here.
Thank you to Fermata Brewing Company in Downtown Ambridge for hosting us on October 10th for our final Afterhours of the Brewery Trilogy this fall. Networking with friends and new business connections was hoppin’ during our time at Fermata.
View all event photos
Submit your member news to msuehr@bcchamber.com

FREE: Dyslexia Simulation

Provident Charter School West

Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 at 6:30PM

This powerful simulation will open your eyes to the daily struggles children can experience. Participants will take part in simulated activities which mimic the experiences and processing of those with dyslexia.

REGISTER NOW!

CA$H BA$H

Benefiting Beaver County

Cancer & Heart Association

The event is on Sunday, October 20th from 1 pm – 5 pm at Bill’s Valhalla (Beaver Falls). Tickets are available now via BCCHA and limited tickets are left!

Must be 21+ for day-of admission, which includes food & refreshments.

$30 Per Ticket

To purchase tickets contact 724.774.6600 or email info@bccha.org.

JOIN A COMMITTEE TODAY:

Events Committee: This committee is responsible for working directly with Chamber staff to determine and plan programming and events for the year as well as reviewing the effectiveness of current events and programming. Committee members should help to further the Chamber’s strategies

by providing business community insights and ideas to staff to collaborate on strategies and events. In addition to this committee, subcommittees are established for each signature event – such as the

Annual Gala and Golf Outing to assist the staff directly in executing these larger events and include more members in the process.

Now Hiring! Want to see a list of job postings from members? Don’t forget to add your own posting to the job postings portal on our website.
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Head to our full membership directory available on
our website, where you will find a trusted partner to
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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce
724.775.3944
525 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Beaver, PA 15009
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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce | 525 Third Street 2nd Floor | Beaver, PA 15009-2132 US

Residents gather outside of courthouse for World Homeless Day

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published October 11, 2024 1:09 P.M.

(Beaver, Pa) Numerous Beaver County residents gathered on the steps of the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver Thursday afternoon. The gathering was held for World Homeless Day. The Cornerstone of Beaver County organized the event. Commissioner Jack Manning and Dina Ciabatoni of the Continuum of Care were among the guest speakers in attendance. The Cornerstone’s Marie Timpano energetically spoke to those in attendance about the goals and solutions for ending homelessness.

World Homeless Day is a global day of awareness to advocate for improved policies and funding that can reduce and end homelessness with a focus of those in our own communities.

The Cornerstone of Beaver County is a nonprofit organization that works to provide and coordinate emergency shelter, housing, basic needs and more for those in need in the County. You can find out more about TCBC by visiting CornerstoneBeaver.org.

 

Maya Stokes and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick are officially parents!

(Photos provided with release from AHN)

(Pittsburgh, PA.) Maya Stokes and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick are officially parents! Their little guy, Uzai Fitzpatrick, made his grand entrance on Monday, October 7 at 5:44 p.m. weighing in at 6 lbs. 8 oz.

Dr. Ronald Cypher, OB/GYN at Allegheny Health Network and the preferred OB/GYN provider for the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivered their beautiful bundle of joy at Allegheny Health Network’s labor & delivery unit at Wexford hospital.

Since its doors opened in 2021, AHN Wexford has welcomed more than 4,000 babies into the world.

Congratulations to the new parents and a very, very happy birthday to Uzai!

Bridge Washing Operations Next Week in Beaver County

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing daylight bridge washing activities on I-376 (Beaver Valley Expressway) in Brighton Township and Route 51 in Darlington Township, Beaver County will occur Monday through Thursday, October 14-17 weather permitting.

Bridge washing operations requiring traffic shifts and lane restrictions will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. according to the following schedule:

  • Monday through Thursday – Route 51 in each direction between Cannelton Road and Lemp Way.
  • Tuesday through Thursday – I-376 in each direction between the Chippewa (Exit 31) and Brighton (Exit 36) interchanges.

Crews from Green Acres Contracting will conduct the bridge washing.

Motorists should allow extra time if traveling in the area.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh waiving adopting fees for “HARP-O-Ween”

(Pittsburgh, PA) Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is waiving adoption fees for cats and dogs six months and older this weekend for “HARP-O-Ween,” sponsored by the BISSELL Pet Foundation. Each day, adopters will be registered to win a Halloween-themed prize package to make the adoption process even sweeter. Adoption of any pet includes:

  • Spaying/neutering 
  • Vaccinations appropriate for their age at the time of adoption 
  • Microchipping 
  • Basic health check 
  • Flea/tick protection 
  • Dogs 6 months or older are tested for heartworm.

For more information, you can visit humaneanimalrescue.org.