In what has become a growing phenomenon among states with questionable election practices, the Pennsylvania Department of State has issued a directive telling counties to not let outside parties access electronic voting systems. Ironically, the directive specifically noted that access should not be permitted to such components as tabulators and ballot printers. Here we go again! The July 9 directive specifically stated that county boards of elections “shall not” provide any access to third parties that are seeking to examine the systems or system components. 

It should be no surprise that Veronica Degraffenreid, the acting Pennsylvania Secretary of State, appointed by Democrat Governor Tom Wolf is now spinning the narrative saying that allowing access to electronic voting systems would somehow undermine chain of custody requirements. However, it’s apparent that this coverup excuse will not be effective because the Legislature has direct authority (both statutorily and constitutionally) to provide oversight and issue subpoenas in investigations involving Pennsylvania’s election system. Thus, this bogus directive actually is a direct attack on the General Assembly’s power put in place to prevent potential abuses and overreach by the Executive Branch; a point made clear by Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (Republican).

When are some of these state officials going to be held accountable for their blatant attempts to hijack the integrity of the United State’s voting system?