Republican groups challenge overseas and military voting rules in key battleground states, raising concerns about election integrity and voter disenfranchisement.
At a Glance
- Republican lawsuits in Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania challenge the validity of overseas and military ballots
- Over 938,000 overseas voters had ballots counted in the 2020 election
- Lawsuits argue that some states’ rules for overseas voters don’t meet federal identity verification requirements
- Legal experts warn these challenges could undermine confidence in the electoral process
- Election officials emphasize the importance of protecting voting rights for overseas and military citizens
Republican Lawsuits Target Overseas and Military Voters
Republican groups have filed lawsuits in Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, challenging the validity of ballots cast by U.S. citizens living abroad, including military members. These legal actions come as the 2024 election approaches, raising concerns about potential impacts on voter participation and election integrity.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) of 1986 allows military members and their families to vote absentee in federal elections. In the 2020 election, over 938,000 UOCAVA voters had their ballots counted, with Pennsylvania alone sending over 25,000 ballots to overseas voters for the current election cycle.
GOP again asks Pennsylvania Supreme Court to rule against counting undated mail-in ballots https://t.co/EoUi00qr7G
— POLITICO (@politico) October 31, 2024
Challenges to Voter Identification Requirements
The Republican lawsuits argue that some states’ election rules do not require overseas voters to show identification, allegedly skirting federal identity verification requirements. However, federal law exempts overseas voters from providing identity documents, allowing them to use a driver’s license number or Social Security number instead.
“North Carolinians and Michiganders should not have their votes canceled by those who’ve never lived in the state in the first place – plain and simple.” – Michael Whatley
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is questioning the eligibility of certain overseas voters in Michigan and North Carolina, arguing they do not meet state residency requirements. State election offices counter that these rules have been in place for years to minimize voting barriers for U.S. citizens abroad.
Potential Impact on Military Voters and Election Confidence
Legal experts and election officials warn that these lawsuits could undermine confidence in the electoral process and potentially disenfranchise military voters. The challenges request that UOCAVA ballots be set aside until voter eligibility is confirmed, which could disrupt election processes and create uncertainty.
“Undercutting confidence in our free and fair elections by disenfranchising our service men and women is unacceptable.” – Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan
Former President Donald Trump has criticized overseas voters not connected to the military, alleging without evidence that Democrats aim to dilute military votes. This rhetoric has further intensified the debate surrounding overseas voting rights and election security.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Many legal experts believe these lawsuits are unlikely to succeed due to procedural issues and timing. However, concerns remain that these challenges may discourage eligible voters and sow doubt about election results. Election officials emphasize the importance of maintaining trust in the electoral system and protecting the voting rights of overseas and military citizens.
“The plaintiffs have challenged a state law that allows US citizens living abroad to vote in North Carolina elections when these voters’ only residential connection to a US state is through their parents’ former residence in North Carolina. Otherwise, these US citizens have no other way to vote in US elections.” – Patrick Gannon
As the legal battles unfold, the outcome of these challenges could have significant implications for overseas and military voters in the upcoming election. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between efforts to ensure election security and the need to protect voting rights for all eligible U.S. citizens, regardless of their location.
Sources:
- What to know about Republican challenges to overseas and military voting
- Republicans Ask Pa. Court to Pause Decision on Ballot Envelope Rules
