AFPI Sues PA Secretary of Commonwealth for Withholding Public Records on Voter Roll Maintenance

HARRISBURG, PA — Last Friday, the America First Policy Institute’s Pennsylvania state chapter (AFPI–PA) filed suit against Pennsylvania Secretary of Commonwealth Al Schmidt for failing to release public records related to the Commonwealth’s voter registration list maintenance practices. The lawsuit, filed in Commonwealth Court, alleges violations of the Pennsylvania Right-To-Know Law and the federal National Voter Registration Act.

AFPI–PA is seeking records that would show how — or whether — the Commonwealth verifies voter eligibility, removes ineligible voters, and shares critical data with federal agencies responsible for safeguarding the electoral process.

“This case is about transparency,” said Leigh Ann O’Neill, chief legal officer at AFPI. “Both state and federal law require Pennsylvania to make these records public. The secretary’s failure to do so violates those statutes and erodes public trust.”

Mary Stiffler, Executive Director of AFPI Pennsylvania, added:

“Pennsylvania voters deserve to know that their elections are fair, secure, and conducted according to the rule of law. The right to vote must be protected — and that includes ensuring accurate voter rolls and meaningful transparency.”

AFPI–PA is committed to protecting the integrity of every legal vote and holding government agencies accountable to the people they serve.