'Reckless Political Rhetoric': Pittsburgh Officials Respond To Voter Fraud Concerns
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Donald Trump and his key advisors have raised doubts not just about Hillary Clinton, but about the integrity of the election itself.
"You want me to tell you I think the elections in Philadelphia and Chicago are going to be fair. I would have to be a moron to say that. I mean, I would have to dislearn everything I've learned in 40 years of being a prosecutor," Rudy Giuliani said.
Monday, Allegheny County's chief prosecutor -- District Attorney Stephen Zappala -- issued a statement, calling such language: "Unsubstantiated and reckless political rhetoric."
"With respect to Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh, there is absolutely no evidence that has been presented as of this date that there will be any type of voter fraud in our jurisdiction, let alone systemic voter fraud or rigged polling places," he wrote.
"We've been running elections here for years and there's very minuscule evidence of voter fraud," County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
Fitzgerald is a Democrat, but sits on the bi-partisan election board.
"In all 1,300 of our polling places, there are election judges that in many cases have been there for decades, that know the voters in their district. If they don't know someone, the first time they show up, they have to present ID," he said.
And Sheriff Bill Mullen marshals deputies to respond to any complaints at polling places.
"Almost all of the complaints are disorderly person, where people have been endorsing a candidate. They're giving food out to entice people to work for a particular person. Things of that nature. They haven't been -- knock on wood -- very serious. But, obviously, during this election it's a unique election and we're probably going to have some unique problems," Mullen said.
But despite the safeguard, doubts will persist and as the sheriff said, this is an unusual election year and there's likely to be more complaints -- whether founded or unfounded.
