Outrage is sweeping through Bucks County, Pennsylvania, as reports surface that county emergency services prematurely shut down the in-person voting line at the Doylestown center on the final day for absentee ballot requests. This incident, sparking immediate allegations of voter disenfranchisement, follows prominent figures like Elon Musk and activist Scott Pressler urging Pennsylvania voters to take advantage of their last chance to secure an absentee ballot.
In a social media call to action, Musk encouraged Pennsylvanians to apply for and submit their absentee ballots in person, bypassing potential mail delays. Pressler provided detailed instructions on how to do so, even urging voters to document their wait times and ensure their ballots bypass drop boxes.
Despite these efforts, videos posted by Trump campaign official James Blair show Bucks County Emergency Services closing the Doylestown voting line before the official 5 p.m. deadline. According to the county’s election website, the center was scheduled to operate until 5 p.m., a timeframe reinforced by Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro’s assurance that anyone in line by that hour would be accommodated.
“We are aware of reported issues in several counties and are working to ensure every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot,” Shapiro stated, calling on counties to support voters during this critical window.
The frustration isn’t confined to Doylestown. Republican committeewoman Fran Haller of Bucks County reported that early closures were widespread at several government service centers. Haller expressed disappointment in her interactions with the county’s Board of Elections, noting, “Our Bucks County Commissioners are in charge of the Board of Elections. I’ve spoken with Bob Harvie, but his response was unsatisfactory. He apologized but didn’t indicate how they would address the issue.” Haller, alongside others, is concerned that many voters turned away won’t attempt another trip to vote.
The problem is compounded by complaints about understaffed voting centers and excessively long wait times. One voter, reporting from Levittown, described being turned away after a four-hour wait due to insufficient personnel and equipment.
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley has called for immediate action, stating, “Voters are being turned away, given faulty information, and told their ballots won’t be counted. This is nothing short of voter suppression.” Bucks County officials, however, defended the early closures, citing “high demand” and the need to ensure that all current applicants are processed by the end of the day.
For voters who believe they’ve been disenfranchised, the Trump campaign has set up a reporting portal at Pa.ProtectTheVote.com. As tensions rise ahead of Election Day, Bucks County is under increased scrutiny as officials and campaigns wrestle over voters’ access to the ballot.
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