In the key swing state of Pennsylvania, an investigation into voter registrations has turned up at least 2,500 fraudulent voter registration applications in one county with additional applications reported in two other counties.

The applications were dropped off on or around October 21, the deadline for registration by an individual connected with a large-scale canvassing by a political action group.

Inaccurate information was found on the applications, including non-matching signatures and applications completed with the same handwriting.

The canvassers for the group involved were paid to solicit and turn in applications, and the canvassing operation started in June.

Other counties involved

District Attorney Heather Adams (R) said that applications from the group were received by at least two other counties.

“We have confirmed violation of our crimes code as well as our elections code. We have all available detectives working on this. We are all hands on deck so that we can properly assess the validity of these applications in a timely manner,” she said.

Investigators contacted some individuals whose names were used on applications, and they said they had not filled out the applications.

Other applications were found to be legitimate and are being processed, Adams said.

“Applications that have gone through this extensive review and investigative process and are not deemed to be fraudulent are being processed,” Ray D’Agostino, chair of the county’s Board of Elections, also said. “I want to stress this, no eligible voter will be turned away.”

'Organized effort"

Adams called the operation an "organized effort," but said that the investigation is ongoing and officials don't know how far up in the organization the effort went.

Canvassers conducted their efforts in public places like parks, grocery stores, parking lots, and sidewalks.

At least 60% of the applications from the group were found to be fraudulent.

Pennsylvania's Department of State is helping with the investigation and praised Lancaster County's efforts.

The county has leaned Republican in recent elections, but the officials declined to say whether the majority of the applications were to register as Democrats or Republicans.