WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Republican
National Committee (RNC) Chairman Joe Gruters released the following statement
after Montgomery County, Pennsylvania removed unconstitutional rules that
limited what ballot drop box watchers could say, wear, or record while doing
their jobs:
“Election observers shouldn’t lose their First Amendment rights when they sign
up to do these jobs,” said Chairman Gruters. “After being alerted that
Montgomery County’s rules could violate the rights of Pennsylvania election
observers, the RNC immediately stepped in to defend their freedom of speech,
and the county was forced to withdraw its unconstitutional guidance.”
Background:
- On
October 20, the RNC sent a letter to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania demanding it rescind its “Guidance for
Watchers at Drop Box Locations,” which violated the U.S. and Pennsylvania
Constitutions by limiting free speech.
- Under
the county’s guidance, election observers could not wear or display any
political messages, speak with voters, or record in a public space.
- The
guidance also broke Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act because it was never
properly approved by the County Board of Elections in a public meeting.
- After
receiving the RNC’s letter, Montgomery County admitted the document was
“outdated,” “not intended to be utilized as a resource,” and “not the
guidance of the Board of Elections.”
- The
county also confirmed that all links to the document have been removed
from its website and that it is no longer in effect.
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