PoliticusUSA is a corporate-free and reader-supported publication that relies on the support of its subscribers. Rep. Frank Burns recently filed a Right To Know request with Cambria County, PA, inquiring about the number of voting machines and ballots distributed during the 2024 presidential election. This request was made in response to widespread issues with ballot scanners in the county during the last November election.
However, the county denied Burns’ request, citing that it must seek records rather than answer questions under the RTKL. Burns expressed his frustration with the county’s response, questioning why such basic information was being withheld and suggesting that he may need to request more detailed records related to voting machines and election ballots.
Of particular concern was the denial of Burns’ request for documents and policies related to the testing of voting machines. The county claimed that these records did not exist, raising suspicions about the transparency and integrity of the election process in Cambria County.
The Pennsylvania Department of State has the authority to investigate elections in each county but lacks subpoena power over them. As a result, Burns will need to appeal the county’s rejection to the State Office of Open Records in order to obtain the requested information.
The lack of compliance from Cambria County has raised red flags for data analysts, who have called for an investigation into the 2024 election results in Pennsylvania. The absence of vital records and the county’s reluctance to provide transparency only serve to undermine public trust in the integrity of the state’s elections.
Given that Donald Trump won a significant majority of the vote in Cambria County, it is crucial that efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the election process. The county’s response to Rep. Burns’ request only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the election results and the overall security of the electoral system.
What are your thoughts on Cambria County’s handling of Rep. Burns’ request? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
