Potentially fraudulent election materials are under investigation in Pennsylvania as the 2024 election nears. District attorneys and election officials in Lancaster and York Counties are examining large batches of voter registration materials from a "third-party organization." York County boasts a 63% Republican majority, while Lancaster has a 61% Republican majority.
The situation gained attention on Tuesday when former President Trump, the 2024 GOP nominee, shared his concerns on Truth Social. He wrote, "Wow! York County, Pennsylvania, received THOUSANDS of potentially FRAUDULENT Voter Registration Forms and Mail-In Ballot Applications from a third party group." Trump continued, "WHAT IS GOING ON IN PENNSYLVANIA??? Law Enforcement must do their job, immediately!!! WOW!!!"
In Lancaster County, known for its Amish community, officials announced an investigation last week. They reported receiving about 2,500 voter registration applications in two batches just before the Oct. 21 registration deadline. District Attorney Heather Adams noted that many applications had the same handwriting and were submitted on the same day.
Adams stated, "The confirmed indicators of fraud… were inaccuracies with the addresses listed on the applications, fake personal identification, and false names." Some applications contained correct personal information, but when investigators contacted the individuals, many said they hadn't requested the forms. She estimated that around 60% of the applications were fraudulent.
County Commissioner Josh Parsons emphasized the seriousness of the situation. "We know that this is a threat to our election system," he said. "This is essentially an attack on our election system when you're trying to get registrations in that are clearly fraudulent." He praised the election staff for their vigilance in detecting the issues.
Concerns are also rising in York County, which borders Lancaster. Officials are investigating suspicious election materials received from a third-party organization. York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler said, "We are committed to ensuring the integrity, safety and security of our elections."
Wheeler noted that the materials included completed voter registration forms and mail-in ballot applications. She added, "If suspected fraud is identified, we will alert the District Attorney’s Office for further investigation."
The York County DA's office stated they are in constant communication with local election officials about potential irregularities. "This office will investigate any matter regarding elections that require a criminal investigation," they said.
As the election approaches, Pennsylvania is in the spotlight. The state has 19 electoral votes and is seen as a key battleground. It has voted for Democratic presidential candidates since 1992, except for Trump’s narrow win in 2016. In 2020, Biden took the state by 1.17 percentage points. The upcoming election showdown between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is highly anticipated.