In a critical legal victory, the Trump campaign successfully extended early voting hours in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, following allegations that GOP voters were turned away due to early closures at key in-person voting sites. The lawsuit, which resulted in a judge’s ruling to keep early voting open until Friday at 5:00 p.m., addresses a high-stakes battleground issue in Pennsylvania, a state expected to play a pivotal role in the 2024 presidential election.
The controversy erupted when Bucks County Emergency Services reportedly shut down the voting line early on Tuesday, cutting off access for voters looking to cast their ballots on the final day to request absentee ballots. According to James Blair, a Trump campaign spokesperson, the Doylestown voting center was scheduled to close at 5:00 p.m., but was shut down several hours early, allegedly preventing GOP voters from casting ballots. Blair quickly took to social media, calling out Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, questioning the rationale behind the unexpected closures, and characterizing the action as “suppressive and intimidating.”
In a tweet that went viral, Blair shared a video showing what he described as Bucks County Emergency Services officials shutting down the line around 2:30 p.m., a full two-and-a-half hours before the scheduled closing time. The footage, which quickly gained traction, fueled accusations that county officials were engaging in voter suppression tactics, as similar early closures were reported in Quakertown, another Bucks County location. In Quakertown, a peace officer allegedly ordered the line closed several hours early, prompting further scrutiny from the Trump campaign.
These actions led the Trump campaign to file an emergency lawsuit early Wednesday morning, seeking immediate judicial intervention to extend the hours for in-person voting. The lawsuit claimed that Bucks County’s early shutdowns violated Pennsylvania’s election code and deprived voters of a critical opportunity to cast their ballots.
Later that day, Bucks County Court Judge Jeffrey Trauger issued a one-page order granting the Trump campaign’s request to extend voting hours. According to the judge’s ruling, voters who wish to apply for an early mail-in ballot can now do so through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, a two-day extension beyond the original Tuesday deadline.
The Trump campaign was quick to celebrate the ruling, with Blair sharing the news on social media, describing it as “good news” and praising the court for “making the right decision.” He thanked the judge for recognizing what the campaign described as a violation of Pennsylvania’s election code and for providing the relief sought in the emergency filing.
This ruling marks a significant moment in Pennsylvania’s contentious early voting process, which has been a focal point of litigation and complaints leading up to the 2024 election. Pennsylvania’s role as a swing state has led to intense scrutiny over its election processes, with both major parties concerned about voter access and ballot integrity. This case is one of several that could set precedent for handling voter access disputes in this highly polarized election climate.
Bucks County, situated just north of Philadelphia, is a crucial area in Pennsylvania’s electoral landscape. It has historically swung between parties in major elections, and both campaigns recognize its potential impact on the final outcome in Pennsylvania. The Trump campaign’s win here could prove advantageous as it continues to mobilize voters in key regions across the state.
The judge’s order grants a full three-day extension for voters to request mail-in ballots in person. According to NBC Philadelphia, the Trump campaign had initially sought a single-day extension until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, but Judge Trauger’s decision allows in-person mail ballot requests to continue until the end of business on Friday. This ruling offers additional flexibility to voters who may have missed the Tuesday deadline due to the unexpected early closures at certain voting locations.
This ruling is one of several recent developments underscoring Pennsylvania’s role as a critical battleground in the 2024 presidential race. Both the Trump and Biden campaigns have ramped up their presence in the state, with Pennsylvania seen as key to both candidates’ strategies. Amid escalating litigation, the Trump campaign has argued that recent voting restrictions in certain areas disproportionately affect Republican voters, especially those opting to vote early or in person.
In response, Democratic officials have defended their approach to election administration, emphasizing adherence to state guidelines and safeguarding the integrity of the voting process. Stephanie Garcia Richard, a representative of Bucks County’s election oversight, issued a statement reiterating the county’s commitment to fair and accessible voting, adding that early closures were implemented only due to unexpected logistical issues. However, the GOP has dismissed these explanations, calling for greater transparency in how voting sites are operated.
Governor Josh Shapiro has also come under fire from Republican leaders who allege he has not done enough to prevent what they describe as inconsistent and potentially partisan decisions affecting early voting access. While Shapiro’s office has yet to respond directly to the Bucks County incident, his administration has faced repeated scrutiny from conservative groups over election administration practices.
With early voting now extended, the Trump campaign has additional time to mobilize its supporters in Bucks County and potentially gain an advantage in this hotly contested region. The broader implications of this legal victory remain to be seen, as Pennsylvania’s approach to early voting and ballot access is likely to face continued challenges from both parties as Election Day approaches.
The extension not only marks a win for the Trump campaign but also serves as a reminder of the legal battles increasingly defining election access in swing states. For the time being, voters in Bucks County have a little extra time to make their voices heard—a decision celebrated by Trump supporters and monitored closely by political observers in Pennsylvania and beyond.