In a significant legal win, the Trump campaign successfully extended early voting in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, after some Republican voters were allegedly turned away due to early closures. A Pennsylvania judge ruled in favor of extending in-person voting in Bucks County through Friday, providing extra time for residents to apply for absentee ballots in the lead-up to next week’s election.
This decision followed reports of disruptions earlier in the week when Bucks County Emergency Services shut down the Doylestown early voting line unexpectedly on the final day for absentee ballot requests. Local Republicans argued that these unanticipated closures prevented voters from accessing their ballots on time.
James Blair, a prominent GOP activist, shared footage on social media of election officials reportedly ending the voting line around 2:30 p.m. despite an advertised closing time of 5:00 p.m. “What are you doing about this, @GovernorShapiro?” Blair tweeted, calling the closures “suppressive and intimidating.” The Bucks County Election website had posted that voting at the Doylestown site would remain open until 5 p.m. on that day.
Another case of early line-cutting reportedly occurred in Quakertown, where a peace officer was seen ending the voting line nearly three hours before the stated closing time. Concerns about voter access quickly escalated, with Republican officials questioning the decisions behind the shortened hours and their potential impact on voter turnout. GOP representatives accused the county of hindering access to ballots, especially for those planning to vote by mail.
In response, the Trump campaign filed a lawsuit against Bucks County on Wednesday, citing these alleged incidents of “voter suppression” and pressing for an extension. Later that day, Judge Jeffrey Trauger issued an order granting the campaign’s request.
His decision allows Bucks County voters to continue applying for absentee ballots through the close of business on Friday, marking a two-day extension beyond the original cut-off. The court found that Bucks County’s actions likely violated Pennsylvania’s election code, ultimately siding with the Trump campaign in their pursuit of greater ballot access.
The Trump campaign celebrated the court’s ruling as a victory for voter access and accountability. In a statement on social media, Blair expressed appreciation for the judge’s decision, noting that the extension would benefit voters facing long wait times. “Thank you to the court for making the right decision,” he tweeted. “Bucks County violated the Pennsylvania election code, and we’re grateful for this relief.” Supporters of the campaign argued that the decision reinforces fair voting practices and the need for transparency in the final days of the election season.
NBC Philadelphia reported on the court’s decision, underscoring that Bucks County’s abrupt early closures had drawn sharp criticism from the Trump campaign and local Republican leaders. According to NBC’s coverage, Judge Trauger issued a one-page order extending in-person voting access for absentee ballot applications through Friday evening.
The judge’s decision followed a “flurry of litigation” in Pennsylvania, a battleground state pivotal in deciding the upcoming election. As lawsuits and complaints emerge around voting regulations, Pennsylvania is anticipated to play a central role in determining the next president, underscoring the high-stakes environment in Bucks County and similar areas.
The Trump campaign’s lawsuit was initially filed with the goal of securing an additional day of early voting, requesting an extension only through Wednesday evening. However, Judge Trauger granted an extra two days, extending the deadline to Friday at 5 p.m. This means that Bucks County residents now have additional time to apply in person for mail-in ballots, an adjustment that could make a difference in the final voter turnout figures for the area.
The situation in Bucks County highlights ongoing concerns regarding voter access and the integrity of election protocols. With Pennsylvania under national scrutiny, legal battles such as this one underscore the challenges voters face, especially those seeking to exercise their right to vote by mail. For Bucks County residents and voters across Pennsylvania, the lawsuit’s outcome emphasizes the importance of accessible early voting as the election day countdown continues.
The Trump campaign’s legal victory could also influence other counties across the state, potentially prompting similar lawsuits or requests for extended hours in areas where early voting may face obstacles. This extension is seen as a safeguard for those whose access may have been compromised by unexpected closures or other procedural changes.
As early voting unfolds, both parties are closely monitoring any incidents that could affect voter turnout, with additional lawsuits possible in the days leading up to the election. For now, Bucks County voters who were unable to cast their absentee ballots on time will have an extended window to participate in early voting. Whether or not similar extensions will be granted elsewhere remains to be seen, but the Bucks County decision reflects the heightened focus on election accessibility and fairness as Pennsylvania prepares for what could be a pivotal election outcome.
