Chapman responds to Senate GOP leaders’ letter

Acting Secretary of State Leigh M. Chapman has responded to a letter from Senate GOP leadership regarding election concerns. 

Chapman’s Monday letter comes in response to a Nov. 4 letter from Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre, and Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland that repeated misinformation surrounding verified voters, and called on her to ensure counties had “clarity” regarding what action is to be taken with undated mail-in ballots. 

Chapman noted that the concerns raised by Ward and Corman were addressed through earlier-issued guidance to county election officials, and debunked inaccurate claims. 

To the lawmakers’ complaints about delayed results, Chapman wrote that legislative action to allow pre-canvassing would allow election results to be available sooner. 

“I am hopeful this letter addresses your concerns. As you should be aware, the Department has issued guidance to counties on these subjects consistent with the law and court orders. I too agree that voting is the cornerstone of democracy and share the opinion that election results should be available sooner,” Chapman wrote. 

“To that end, I again encourage the General Assembly when they return next session to prioritize making changes to allow counties meaningful pre-canvassing time in future elections. I trust that you also agree that ensuring a fair, secure, and accurate election where the votes of all qualified voters are counted is of primary importance,” Chapman wrote.