Public Interest Law Center

*Breaking Voting News* “The U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of the stay supports the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision that all qualified voters deserve a chance to vote, even if they have made a technical error on their mail ballot. This is a step toward a more inclusive election process that respects the rights of all Pennsylvanians.”-- Ben Geffen, Senior Attorney Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e2gEZY6P

We've been in this fight for years, and we intend to win. Show your support with this tee and a donation. Order here: https://loom.ly/aEvH3xE (Note: Shirt will arrive after election day.)

By standing with us, you become part of the movement to safeguard voting rights in Pennsylvania. Your contribution will help fund the legal battles, outreach efforts, and advocacy that are crucial to ensuring our elections remain fair and accessible to all. Please join us in this fight. With your donation, we can protect the power of every Pennsylvanian’s vote! Visit pubintlaw.org/donate today.

👏 VOTING RIGHTS VICTORY 👏 The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania just made a decision affirming that voters cannot be disenfranchised over small, inconsequential errors on mail ballot return envelopes. Upholding the state constitution’s commitment to free and equal elections. Read more on the ruling and its implications: https://lnkd.in/e7hK5-Ag #VotingRights #Democracy #ElectionIntegrity

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🚨Breaking Voting News🚨 BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. – Today, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania upheld a decision by the Commonwealth Court that will require counties to count provisional ballots from voters who have made errors that prevent the counting of their mail ballots. The case stemmed from the 2024 primary election when two Butler County voters who had become aware of their mail-ballot errors submitted provisional ballots at their polling places, only to have the county board of elections refuse to count them. In September, the Commonwealth Court ruled that the county had no legal basis for disqualifying the provisional ballots and ordered that the ballots be counted. Today’s decision by the state Supreme Court affirms that decision in Butler County and sets a precedent that will apply across Pennsylvania. “Today’s decision affirms that if you make a paperwork mistake that will keep your mail ballot from counting, you have the right to vote by provisional ballot at your polling place on Election Day,” said Ben Geffen, senior attorney at the Public Interest Law Center. “This reinforces the right to vote in Pennsylvania.” “Our electoral systems must be designed to ensure that all eligible voters are permitted to cast a ballot and have their ballot counted,” said Richard Ting, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Pennsylvania. “For two decades, provisional ballots have provided a failsafe so that eligible voters are not disenfranchised for technical errors or unforeseen circumstances at their polling place. The state Supreme Court’s ruling today means that every eligible voter across the commonwealth can have confidence that, if they make a mistake with their mail ballot return packet, they’ll have the chance to submit a provisional ballot that will be counted in this critical election.”

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The Public Interest Law Center’s 2023 Annual Report reflects a year of significant progress in our fight for justice and equity. Together with our community partners, supporters, and pro bono allies, we achieved groundbreaking victories that advanced civil rights, challenged systemic inequalities, and secured fundamental resources for marginalized communities. Read our report here: https://lnkd.in/er6g2-f5

Olivia Mania joined the Law Center in 2024 as a Penn Carey Law Catalyst Fellow, focusing on voting rights litigation. She previously gained public interest law experience with the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Lambda Legal, and the Amara Legal Center. Olivia holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh.

The Public Interest Law Center knows how much is at stake in every election. We’ve spent years fighting to ensure that every vote counts, and that every community is represented fairly. These are just some of the folks we're honored to work with. Learn more about our work here: https://loom.ly/Mb8w1ps