Pennsylvania’s War on Election Transparency and Integrity Intensifies

Originally published by Broad + Liberty

In a shocking display of governmental overreach and disregard for public accountability, Al Schmidt — the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — has moved to silence outside voices in a case with implications for election integrity across the country.

Attorneys for Schmidt’s office recently notified the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) that it would oppose AFPI’s attempt to file an amicus curiae brief — commonly known as a “friend of the court” brief — after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit blocked access to records required to be publicly available under federal law. It’s a deliberate attempt to choke off transparency, sideline outside scrutiny and further consolidate unchecked power behind closed doors.

Amicus briefs exist to help the courts, not hinder them. They provide context, expert analysis, and broader perspectives on complex legal issues. Liberal and conservative organizations alike file these briefs because courts need a full view of the stakes involved. And they matter: The U.S. Supreme Court routinely hears from amici and the Chief Justice frequently acknowledges their value during oral arguments.

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