U.S. Judge Blocks Republican Suit Over Pennsylvania Ballot Procedures

A U.S. judge dismissed a Republican lawsuit aiming to change ballot verification for military and overseas voters in Pennsylvania. The case, part of broader Republican efforts to alter voting processes, is one of several legal challenges that have largely failed in battleground states.

A U.S. judge has dismissed a Republican lawsuit seeking to compel Pennsylvania to enhance its verification procedures for ballots from military and overseas voters. The lawsuit, filed by six Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives, argued that the state was improperly exempting overseas voters from identity document verification, risking fraudulent votes.

Judge Christopher Conner ruled in Harrisburg that the suit was filed too late, as Pennsylvania's procedures have been unchanged for years. This case was part of a broader Republican effort to challenge voting procedures nationwide, largely unsuccessful, with at least 11 court defeats recently. The Harris campaign welcomed the judge's decision as a protection of fundamental democratic rights.

The judge noted that Erick Kaardal, the lawyer for the plaintiffs, failed to provide evidence of foreign interference with Pennsylvania's overseas ballots. During the October 18 hearing, Kaardal had no evidence beyond 'concerns.' A conservative group backing the suit is considering an appeal, following similar failures in other states like Michigan and North Carolina this month.

(With inputs from agencies.)