ExpressVote touch-screen machine on display.
Lucy Perkins / WESA
Judge rejects bid to delay special election in Bucks County
Judge Jeffrey Trauger said in his order that he could find no legal authority to allow the postponement.
-
The Associated Press
Lucy Perkins / WESA
ExpressVote touch-screen machine on display.
What you should knowWith our coronavirus coverage, our goal is to equip you with the information you need. Rather than chase every update, we’ll try to keep things in context and focus on helping you make decisions. See all of our stories here.
» Coronavirus facts & FAQ
» Map: Confirmed cases in Pa., the U.S. and around the world
» How to prepare your home for coronavirus
(Harrisburg) — A judge late Monday night rejected an attempt to delay a special election to fill a vacant seat in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives from Bucks County over concerns that it would risk public health as coronavirus spreads.
Bucks County Judge Jeffrey Trauger said in his order that he could find no legal authority to allow the postponement.
The election is scheduled for Tuesday.
Trauber, however, ordered the county elections board to continue safety precautions, such as providing hand sanitizer, wipes, rubber gloves, masks and signage reminding voters of social distancing recommendations.
Officials in Bucks County on Monday had sought an order to postpone the special election there.
Under pressure from Democrats to delay it for public health reasons, House Speaker Mike Turzai, a Republican whose office is charged with scheduling special elections, had refused.
The seat is open because Gene DiGirolamo, a Republican, resigned after winning a county council seat last November.
The House seat is in politically moderate southern Bucks County around Bensalem, just north of Philadelphia, and Democrats view it as a pickup opportunity.
Meanwhile, two other special elections to fill vacancies in the House were expected to go forward as scheduled Tuesday for seats based in Mercer and Westmoreland counties.
Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, host Tim Lambert will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.
