The Trump campaign sued Pennsylvania’s Bucks County Board of Elections and others late Tuesday over allegations that the county “denied electors,” according to a filing in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.
In a 21-page filing, the Trump campaign claimed Bucks County voters were “turned away and forced by security to leave” long lines while trying to request an absentee ballot in person in this swing state – accusing the county of violating the election code.
The campaign is seeking a one-day extension of the deadline for absentee ballot applications, which ended Tuesday at 5 p.m. — which will be extended until the end of Wednesday so voters can apply in person.
The lawsuit includes signed statements from three people who say they were turned away Monday afternoon. He was joined by a host of Republican figures and groups, including the Republican National Committee, the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and Senate candidate David McCormick.
County attorneys appeared Wednesday, according to the docket.
The county had previously been accused of “suppressive and intimidation” tactics, including claims that voters were turned away and lines closed early.
However, the county pushed back against any suggestion that what happened in Bucks County amounted to intentional voter suppression.
“Contrary to what is portrayed on social media, if you are in line before 5 p.m. for an absentee ballot request, you will have the opportunity to submit your absentee ballot request,” the county said. in a statement.
The county acknowledged that there had indeed been a “misunderstanding” on the part of officials there.
Those waiting in line to vote by request were “briefly informed that they could not be accommodated,” the county said, but added that those people were ultimately allowed to submit their applications, according to officials.
In a post on X, the secretary of state’s office echoed that sentiment, asking voters to “exercise patience.”
“Earlier today, we spoke with Bucks County election officials who assured us that every registered voter who shows up at their county election office before 5 p.m. today will have the opportunity to request their absentee ballot “, the message states. “Please be patient with all county elections office staff as they work hard to ensure every registered voter can vote in this election,” he said.
-Olivia Rubin of ABC News
Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, gestures during a campaign rally, October 29, 2024, in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Puce Somodevilla/Getty Images
