Pennsylvania’s secretary of state has assured that officials in the crucial battleground state are well-prepared to ensure the safety of election workers and guarantee that every ballot is counted accurately in the upcoming 2024 election. The secretary of state, a Republican, expressed confidence that Pennsylvania will be able to declare a winner in a timely manner.
Although the state's laws have remained unchanged since 2020, particularly regarding the timing of when counties can commence counting mail-in ballots, there have been notable improvements. Counties now possess new equipment, increased experience, and a decrease in the number of voters opting for mail-in ballots.
During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a surge in voters choosing to vote by mail. However, the secretary of state expressed confidence in the county partners' ability to efficiently and transparently process mail-in ballots due to the advancements made.
The state has implemented a coordinated effort to safeguard election workers and address any potential threats. A task force was established by Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration last year to enhance communication between law enforcement and election administration at all levels of government.
This task force ensures that all parties are aware of their respective roles and responsibilities, enabling a swift and effective response to any threats targeting voters, poll workers, polling places, or county election staff.
In response to reports of ballot drop boxes being set on fire in the Portland area, the secretary of state outlined the security measures in place in Pennsylvania. County drop boxes are securely bolted to the ground, equipped with surveillance cameras, and often staffed with personnel to assist voters.
