Pennsylvania State Rep. Boyle, wanted by police, votes by proxy

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Can a State Representative wanted by police in Philadelphia continue to vote on the House floor in Harrisburg? The answer might seem obvious but, again, there are different rules under the Capitol dome.

Democrat State Rep. Kevin Boyle is wanted by Philadelphia Police for allegedly violating a protection from abuse order. Despite that, House Democratic leaders wanted Boyle’s vote by proxy to count.

Republicans said the idea that a fugitive could vote is wrong.

House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) chaired a never before used committee to determine Boyle’s eligibility to vote by proxy. Two Democrats voted yes, one Republican voted no. So vote Boyle did, by proxy at least.

“This is purely again political for the Democrats to remain in power,” said Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia). “And what they’re doing with it is basically causing democracy to die today.”

Boyle has battled addiction and mental health issues for years, relapsing recently and voting by proxy for weeks. Because he didn’t revoke that proxy voting arrangement, it can continue, leaders ruled.

We’re told Boyle’s family is fine and he had agreed to turn himself in to Philadelphia authorities, but hasn’t as of Wednesday afternoon. No Democrats would speak on camera, but House Majority Leader Matt Bradford released several statements accusing Republicans of partisan performative politics.

“I love Kevin, but I have serious concerns about his mental health and it breaks my heart to see him this way,” said Bradford. “I hope he gets the help he needs.”

On a day Boyle, the brother of a Philadelphia Congressman Brendan Boyle, couldn’t be found, his 102nd vote did turn up in Harrisburg.

“I think they’re taking advantage of him simply to maintain 102 majority,” said State Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster). “And that’s wrong. That’s wrong.”

While House Democrats pushed for Boyle’s vote to count, they’re also pushing for his Democratic primary opponent, Sean Dougherty. He’s the son of State Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty in next Tuesday’s election.

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