The Washington Post editorial board criticized Pennsylvania Democrats on Saturday for their efforts to count invalid ballots in the U.S. Senate race recount.
The controversy surrounds Democratic Senator Bob Casey, who lost to Republican Senator-elect Dave McCormick by about 24,000 votes in the Nov. 5 election. Casey has not conceded, and an automatic recount was triggered because the margin was less than half a percentage point.
Under state law, provisional ballots must be signed twice, and mail-in ballots must have correct dates. Some Democratic officials in certain counties have voted to count ballots deemed invalid, contrary to a ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
The editorial titled Democrats thumb their nose at the rule of law in Pennsylvania emphasized that election rules must be applied fairly and consistently.
It argued that if a Republican official made similar statements justifying the counting of invalid ballots, Democrats would rightfully protest.
The piece also warned that attempts to defy judicial rulings harm democracy and may encourage similar actions in future elections.
The editorial pointed out that Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court has a Democratic majority, but insisted that the court’s authority is legitimate, regardless of political balance.
It concluded by suggesting that Casey should accept the loss gracefully, noting that while a recount is mandated by law, it is unlikely to change the outcome.