Al Schmidt Promises a Safe and Secure Election Amid Voter Concerns
- Al Schmidt assured that Pennsylvania's elections will be free, fair, safe, and secure.
- The state law prevents the counting of mail-in ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day, leading to potential delays in results.
- Voters are encouraged to report any issues at polling places to ensure a smooth election process.
On November 5, 2024, Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Commonwealth, provided an update regarding the state’s election process. He emphasized that the election would be free, fair, safe, and secure. This commitment reassured voters about the integrity of the electoral process, especially with nearly 2 million mail-in ballots returned. Schmidt noted the challenges of counting ballots, as Pennsylvania law only permitted the opening of mail ballots from 7 a.m. on Election Day. Thus, voters should expect delays in final results, which are usually not available on the night of the election. Schmidt advised voters to stay vigilant against misinformation at the polls and highlighted the importance of reporting any issues to election officials or the state's voter hotline. This proactive stance aims to foster confidence in the electoral process and ensure that every registered voter can participate without facing harassment or discrimination.