Still having trouble with digital reads

So in my head when i create a contact closure on pin 2 to ground it is pulling all pins to ground causing all output pins to go low also as far as I can create. I have 4 switches in the field about 40' away and if I only have one side hooked up to pin 2 and the other side of the switch to ground i can get pin 8 to fire low. As soon as i add the other switch to pin 3 is when all heck breaks loose and will fire remaining output pins. I can test it with my multi meter and it is open with no voltage and i get continuity when i turn the key. So what i can test works but i don't understand why when i hook up the physical switch it causes the issue.