A Pennsylvania judge approved a petition to extend voting hours until 10 p.m. ET after a “glitch” prevented voters in Cambria County from scanning their ballots.
Election officials emphasized that no one wishing to cast their ballot will be turned away and that all votes will be counted. Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), urged voters to stay in line and cast their ballots regardless of the delay.
“The Cambria County Board of Elections learned early this morning that a software glitch in the county’s electronic voting system has prevented voters from scanning their ballots,” County Attorney Ron Repak said in a statement. “This should not deter voters from voting in their territory.”
“All completed ballots will be accepted, secured and counted by the Board of Elections. The County Board of Elections has an express voting machine (sic) at precinct locations to allow for electronic voting while still allowing manual ballots to be cast.” Repak said.
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Any votes cast after the original cutoff time of 8:00 PM ET will be by provisional ballot, the court ordered.
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The Pennsylvania Department of State said it was working with local officials to resolve the problem.
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“The Department of State is in contact with county officials in Cambria County. Voters will continue to vote via paper ballot, in accordance with business as usual, while the county resolves the issue through precinct scanning. We are working with the county to resolve this technical issue and remain committed to ensuring free, fair, safe and secure elections.”
Before the court granted the extension, Whatley had assured voters that Republican Party lawyers were “all over” the issue.
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“We understand there are some line delays locally,” Whatley wrote on X. “We want you to stay in line. We want you to complete and deliver your ballot. Our Pennsylvania attorneys are working on this matter. and will ensure fairness and accuracy in the process.”
Original article source: Pennsylvania County extends voting hours after ‘software problem’ with scanning ballots
