Group protests over audit, voting law
Protesters demonstrated Monday in front of state Sen. David Argall’s office in Pottsville about a 2020 audit and the lawsuit by 14 state lawmakers challenging the state’s mail in-voting law.
A protest was also held in front on Congressman Dan Meuser’s office about H.R. 1, the For the People Act that expands voter registration and other measures. The bill is currently in the Senate.
The approximately one-hour gathering was orchestrated by Schuylkill Indivisible. However, the Berks County Patriots, who are for the audit, were also there.
“It’s mind-boggling I think to all of us that 10 months after the election politicians are fundraising and politicking of this big lie,” Lisa Von Ahn, co-chair of Schuylkill Indivisible, said.
The lie she is referring to is the belief that there was fraud in the 2020 presidential election and it was stolen from former President Donald Trump.
No evidence has been found to prove this.
“The 2020 election that elected President Biden, as well as two Republican statewide officeholders, and Republican majorities in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, was freely and fairly run. There were no irregularities, no conspiracies and no fraud that occurred. The people of Pennsylvania voted and their votes were accurately counted,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement.
State Attorney General Josh Shapiro said the lawsuit is “not only the height of hypocrisy but it also has real consequences and damages public trust in our elections.”
Rep. Tim Twardzik signed on to the lawsuit.
Von Ahn said motorists showed their support by honking.
“We were all shouting to get our message across,” she said.
Claire Kempes, a member of Schuylkill Indivisible, was among the 20 who were protesting. At times they were shouting, “Show us the evidence,” Kempes said.
She said there is no evidence to support the audit, calling it “a waste of money” and time.
“I just want people to get accurate information, and misinformation is killing our democracy,” Kempes said.
Argall and Twardzik were unavailable for comment Tuesday.