State Introduces Online Election Complaint Form

Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele recently announced that voters can now file complaints about alleged election law violations online.

“Fair and honest elections are the foundation of our republic, and everyone must take responsibility for helping ensure the integrity of the process,” Aichele, whose department oversees elections in Pennsylvania, said.

Once submitted, these complaint forms will go directly to the county election board for the county in which the voter making the complaint resides. County election boards have primary responsibility in Pennsylvania to investigate complaints about voting. The Department of State has no authority to investigate these complaints.

“Voters will have a drop down menu offering a number of areas under which to file a complaint, as well as the option to check ‘other’ if the issue fits none of the areas listed,” Aichele said. “Some of the areas listed include people voting who are not registered, voter intimidation, and failing to offer help to voters who need it.”

Only registered voters may file complaints, and the form requires information, including name, address, and date of birth, to verify that the person submitting the complaint is a registered voter.

“The public must have confidence in the outcome of our elections, and this tool lets citizens help the dedicated election officials and poll workers throughout Pennsylvania make this happen,” Aichele said.

The online form is available at www.votespa.com, and at the Department of State homepage, www.dos.state.pa.us, by clicking on Election Complaints.