Pennsylvania Attorney General says voter registration fraud 'thwarted'

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Officials in the key swing state of Pennsylvania say they’re looking into suspected voter registration fraud in multiple counties with at least some of the attempts tied to the same company.

Former President Donald Trump told his supporters in the state this week they already needed to be wary of election results.

“They've already started cheating in Lancaster. They've cheated. We caught 'em with 2,600 votes. We caught 'em cold," he told supporters in Allentown.

Trump was referring to an investigation in Lancaster County, where the District Attorney’s office says they’ve found hundreds of fraudulent voter registration applications. Monroe, York, and Berks County officials also confirmed they’re investigating potentially fraudulent registrations including issues with signatures and at least one deceased person listed on an application.

But election officials, including Republicans, have emphasized none of the investigations center on actual votes.

“This was detected, it was stopped and the, the the investigation is ongoing in some of these places and the fact that people who are legally able to vote will be able to vote very, very proud of our staff," said Ray D'Agostino, a Republican County Commissioner in Lancaster.

At least two of the counties say an Arizona-based company called Field+Media Corps submitted some of the questionable forms. The group’s CEO told the Associated Press they haven’t been contacted by Pennsylvania officials, but they will cooperate if they are. The group has a history of working with Democratic campaigns in Arizona.

Trump also posted about the situation on social media this week, with Democrats saying it's an attempt to stir up fear and question election results.

“I understand that Donald Trump wants to again use the same playbook where he tries to create chaos and stoke division and fear about our system. But again, we will have a free and fair, safe, and secure election in Pennsylvania," said Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s Attorney General released a statement Thursday night saying the attempted voter registration fraud had been thwarted thanks to the state’s safeguards and promised to hold any fraudsters accountable after the investigations wrap up.