Philadelphia’s top election official said a “forensic investigation” into the 2020 presidential race being pursued by a Trump-friendly state lawmaker would cost the city more than $35 million and potentially delay two upcoming elections.
The City Commissioners, who oversee elections in Philadelphia, will not comply with a request from state Sen. Doug Mastriano to hand over voting equipment, records and security access from the last two elections.
Mastriano, who attended the Jan. 6 Trump rally at the Capitol, has threatened to subpoena information from counties that do not participate in his probe.
In a letter sent to Mastriano on Friday, City Commissioner Chairwoman Lisa Deeley noted that the investigation would lead to massive expenses for the city, since the state would likely decertify Philadelphia’s voting machines.
The Pennsylvania Department of State pulled certification from Fulton County’s election system following a similar probe, also involving Mastriano. It has told local officials not to turn over any balloting software or electronics to a third party.
