BREAKING: Pennsylvania RNC official Val Biancaniello was just arrested at the polls in Delaware County after she told fellow voters to remain in line and not leave without voting
Someone recorded the arrest, saying, "She is not influencing people. She is not at all."
She posted… pic.twitter.com/urmef4Dg3l
— George (@BehizyTweets) October 28, 2024
An unusual arrest in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has intensified debate around voting rights and election conduct. Val Biancaniello, a GOP committeewoman and RNC delegate, was taken into custody at a local polling place after allegedly encouraging Republican voters to stay in line and cast their ballots. The incident has sparked significant controversy, with some calling it a blatant attempt at voter suppression.
Biancaniello shared on social media that her arrest stemmed from her efforts to encourage Republicans not to leave before voting. “I was just arrested…for encouraging Republicans to stay in the long line and vote!” she posted, urging voters to stand firm and resist any discouragement.
A bystander filmed her arrest, though the footage was of low quality, capturing the tension and shock of onlookers who insist she wasn’t attempting to influence anyone’s vote. This has brought up renewed concerns over what many see as inconsistent and potentially biased treatment at polling places.
Her arrest has stoked outrage among supporters who argue she was simply promoting participation—a key democratic principle. The incident leaves voters wondering if similar actions by others might lead to prosecution, raising vital questions about the boundaries of voter encouragement and the authority of election officials in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Sources:
h/t Flying Elvii