Election Day in Pennsylvania has been marred by a wave of voting machine malfunctions and ballot scanning problems.
Reports from several counties, particularly Cambria and Bedford, indicate that voting problems are frustrating countless voters as they try to exercise their rights in this important election.
On Tuesday morning, voters in nearby Cambria County and Bedford County with malfunctioning voting machines were unable to scan their ballots. According to 6 News, Voters reported the machine freezing and failing to recognize cast ballots.
In some precincts, election officials resorted to placing completed ballot paper in the lock box, intending to scan it later if technical problems have been resolved. In other areas, frustrated voters were told to return at noon when the machines would come back online.
NEW: Cambria County, PA is experiencing voting machine issues.
“Our district now!!! All districts can’t send votes,” per @KimJFlanders.
Donald Trump won Cambria County by 37 points in 2016 and 2020.
All “glitches” go one way. always.pic.twitter.com/cxXb42tLEH
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) November 5, 2024
To everyone in Cambria County, we understand.
You stay on the line like your life depends on winning.
Don’t move your muscles.
Cambria County, PA
– ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) November 5, 2024
Some election ballot scanners are currently out of order at many polling locations in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of State said it is in contact with officials in Cambria County to resolve technical issues.
Read more: https://t.co/HmLc5CSGNS pic.twitter.com/YihVKKes69
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) November 5, 2024
DO NOT USE THE “EMERGENCY BOX”. Demand real sound! Stay in line!
Poll watchers must write down how many ballots were cast in the “emergency box.” So they can’t change the number. It’s “door 3” all over again. Don’t lie! https://t.co/grA64iqu7N
– Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) November 5, 2024
Reports from Bedford County echoed the chaos, with election officials confirming that voting machine problems disrupted the vote counting process. Bedford officials, like those in Cambria, have been keeping paper ballots in lockboxes until they can be accurately scanned, according to 6 News.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Blair, Somerset, and Luzerne counties are experiencing similar problems.
NEW: Voting machines reportedly “not working” in Bedford County, PA (+82% for Trump in 2020)
— I’m a Meme That’s Why I Am (@ImMeme0) November 5, 2024
Election officials have confirmed problems with voting machines and software in Cambria and Bedford counties.
Cambria County Commissioners have filed an emergency request to extend polling hours from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Voting machines went down in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.
And Kamala Democrats are fighting in court against a 3-hour extension just to make sure voters can vote.
Kamala Democrats fought to disenfranchise voters on Election Day.
Stay in line, Trump voters.
– Mike Davis (@mrddmia) November 5, 2024
In response, Ron Repak, attorney for Cambria County, issued a statement:
“The Cambria County Board of Elections learned earlier this morning that faulty software in the County’s Electronic Voting System has prevented voters from scanning their ballots. This should not discourage voters from voting in their polling area.
The Council has filed a Court Order extending the time to vote in Cambria County. No one should avoid the polls if they want to vote.
The Cambria County Board of Elections took the step of having an IT specialist called in to look into the software problem. There are processes in place for problems of this nature. All completed ballots will be received, secured, and counted by the Board of Elections. The County Board of Elections has express voting machines at precinct locations to continue to allow electronic voting, while still allowing hand-held ballots.
The District Election Board will continue to monitor this issue and take necessary action to ensure that all voters have the opportunity to vote. We thank the community for their patience and support while this issue is fixed. In summary, all votes will count and we continue to encourage everyone to vote.
The Pennsylvania Department of State also issued the following statement regarding X:
“The State Department has been in contact with county officials in Cambria County. Voters are continuing to vote by ballot, in accordance with normal operations, while the county resolves the issue with precinct scanning. We are working with the County to resolve this technical issue and remain committed to ensuring a fair election. free, fair, safe, and secure.
The State Department contacted county officials in Cambria County. Voters continue to vote by ballot, in accordance with normal operations, while the district resolves the issue with precinct scanning. We are working with the district to address this issue…
— PA State Department (@PAStateDept) November 5, 2024
