Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is under the spotlight after election officials discovered 2,500 fraudulent voter registration forms. The forms were submitted to the Board of Elections in two separate batches as the registration deadline approached. County officials held a press conference Friday to announce the launch of a significant investigation. Ray DiAgostino, vice chairman of the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners and chairman of the Board of Elections, confirmed the findings.

“As we’ve said throughout this election cycle and years prior, Lancaster County conducts elections with integrity, veracity, and transparency,” DiAgostino said. “It is our duty to ensure voters can feel confident in the process.” Lancaster County is a significant player in Pennsylvania’s electoral landscape, which is itself a key battleground in national elections due to its status as a swing state. As one of the largest counties in Pennsylvania by population, Lancaster has consistently served as a Republican stronghold, contributing substantial margins for GOP candidates.

The suspicious registrations were flagged by the elections office’s regular review process. DiAgostino explained that the process revealed potential voter registration fraud, with two separate batches submitted by individuals containing irregularities. “It is through their diligence that our staff uncovered apparent incidents of attempted voter registration fraud here in Lancaster County. In the staff’s normal review process, as many as 2,500 completed voter registration forms are being researched for potential fraud stemming from two separate drop batches by individuals,” DiAgostino said.

DiAgostino outlined the steps being taken to verify the authenticity of the forms. This multi-step review includes comparing handwriting, checking signatures against existing records, and verifying addresses, driver’s licenses, and social security numbers. “Some of these or many of them are unverifiable and or inaccurate addresses, inaccurate driver’s license or social security number of verification. We have an obligation under the election code not only that but a moral obligation to investigate any matters of potential fraud.” The investigation aims to determine whether further legal action is warranted.

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DiAgostino stressed that the investigation would not prevent eligible voters from participating in the upcoming elections. “No eligible voter will be turned away,” he assured. He also explained that the Pennsylvania Department of State and the Attorney General’s Office had been notified about the situation.

Amish farm near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Sheafs of wheat aka Bundle tied up

DiAgostino concluded the press conference by reiterating Lancaster County’s commitment to election integrity. “We will continue to conduct elections with the principles of integrity, veracity, and transparency.” The investigation is ongoing, and no additional details have been provided about potential suspects or the origins of the fraudulent forms.

The timing of the investigation adds to an already complex election season in Pennsylvania, with three types of elections underway. Despite these challenges, DiAgostino praised the efforts of the elections office’s staff and volunteers. He credited their diligence for the discovery and urged the public to maintain confidence in the county’s election process.

The investigation is one of several incidents nationwide that have raised concerns about voter registration integrity as the 2024 election cycle heats up. With the general election less than two weeks away, Lancaster County officials aim to resolve this matter swiftly to maintain trust in the electoral system. The outcome of the investigation could have broader implications for Pennsylvania, a key swing state in presidential elections. The state has faced increased scrutiny over its election procedures since the 2020 presidential election, making this investigation particularly significant. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is one of the most crucial swing states in the country. It played a decisive role in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, flipping for Donald Trump in the former and for Joe Biden in the latter.

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