Chester County Commissioners Call For Election Map Clarity

WEST CHESTER — With Pennsylvania’s primary election scheduled for May 17, Chester County commissioners join peers across the state in calling for clarity on unresolved election issues.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court selected new maps for the U.S. congressional districts, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to overturn them.

However, no decision has been made regarding new state legislative maps. A ruling by the state Supreme Court is expected shortly.

"We are losing precious time in completing all the tasks needed to prepare for the upcoming primary election,” said Josh Maxwell, a commissioner who is also chairman of the county’s election board.

The appeal period on the legislative maps closed Monday.

The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania asked the state Supreme Court to expedite its decision.

“We are not taking sides on the make-up of the state legislative map; we simply need an expeditious decision,” said Marian Moskowitz, commissioner chairwoman. “Now that the deadline for challenges has passed, we are calling on the state Supreme Court to act as swiftly as possible.”

Commissioner Michelle Kichline said its impossible to create a ballot without knowing which candidate is running in each district.

“Regardless of what happens, we are committed that Chester County will conduct an accurate and successful election,” Kichline said.