October 28, 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Val Biancaniello, a Pennsylvania GOP committeewoman and RNC delegate, was handcuffed and taken from a Delaware County polling place on Monday after allegedly encouraging voters to stay in line and cast their ballots. Biancaniello’s detainment has sparked debate, with witnesses questioning the necessity of her arrest.
Biancaniello claims she was responding to reports that Democratic election workers at the Delaware County Government Center were allegedly discouraging in-person voting, directing voters to a satellite polling site where, upon arrival, they were informed of ballot shortages. “I was just taken away in handcuffs at the Delaware County, Pennsylvania Government Center for encouraging people to stay in line and vote,” Biancaniello said on social media platform X.
A supporter of President Trump’s was arrested today for encouraging people to stay in the early voting line and cast their ballots freely in Pennsylvania.
This follows reports from across the commonwealth that voters are being turned away in conservative areas.
This is voter… pic.twitter.com/ye4qTcfEn5
— Michael Whatley (@ChairmanWhatley) October 28, 2024
The arrest drew shock from onlookers, with one bystander reportedly exclaiming, “Wow! That’s crazy! You locked her up? That is insane! She is not influencing people!” Video footage shared on social media captured the reactions of those witnessing the scene as Biancaniello was led away by law enforcement.
Allegations of Voter Suppression
Biancaniello claims her presence was solely intended to support voters after hearing reports of long wait times and conflicting information at polling sites. She alleges that Democratic election workers were actively directing voters to an alternative location, Chester Heights satellite office, promising shorter wait times. However, upon arrival, voters were reportedly told that the location had run out of necessary voter applications. “This is voter suppression in Delaware County, Pennsylvania,” Biancaniello said on X, maintaining she had broken no laws by simply encouraging voters to remain in line to exercise their voting rights.
I was just taken away in handcuffs at the Delaware County, PA Government Center for encouraging people to stay in line and vote. #FightFightFight #Trump2024 #Trump #MAGA #Vote #Delco pic.twitter.com/mFgRQtSf0H
— Val Biancaniello (@luckyvalpal) October 28, 2024
A witness at the scene, who spoke to the press, said Biancaniello was not advocating for any specific candidate and was instead helping clarify procedural confusion. The witness added that some election workers told voters to stay in line only if they had an urgent reason to need an early ballot, a statement the witness said was misleading.
Legal Ambiguities Surrounding the Incident
As of now, it remains unclear whether Biancaniello has been officially charged. Authorities in Delaware County have yet to issue a public statement regarding the incident. Pennsylvania state law permits nonpartisan support at polling locations, so long as it does not involve explicit electioneering or candidate endorsement. Biancaniello’s supporters argue her actions did not constitute electioneering but were focused on ensuring that voters were aware of their rights.
The incident has sparked concern among Pennsylvania Republicans, with some suggesting that Biancaniello’s treatment may dissuade individuals from offering similar nonpartisan assistance at polling locations. The arrest also underscores the ongoing partisan tensions over election procedures and potential suppression tactics as Pennsylvania remains a critical battleground state.
Biancaniello remains vocal about her experience, urging citizens to exercise their right to vote. “I did nothing wrong except encourage people to stay in line and vote,” she said. “So they arrested me. VOTE!”
