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Machine Glitches, Late Judges Plague PA Elections; Here's How To File Complaints

As technical issues stalled ballot scanning in one county while late judges delayed voting in another, the Pennsylvania Department of State has stepped in, coordinating with county officials to maintain a secure and seamless voting process.

NJ polling site

NJ polling site

Photo Credit: New Jersey Division of Elections
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation that requires affidavit ballots to be counted if a voter appears at the wrong polling place, as long as they are voting in the correct county of assembly district.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation that requires affidavit ballots to be counted if a voter appears at the wrong polling place, as long as they are voting in the correct county of assembly district.

Photo Credit: Canva/YinYang

The Pennsylvania Department of State addressed Cambria County’s Election Day voting delays, posting a message at 9:45 a.m. on X, formerly Twitter, to reassure voters. The department confirmed it is “in contact with county officials in Cambria County” as they work to resolve an issue affecting in-precinct ballot scanning.

"Voters are continuing to vote by paper ballot, in accordance with normal operations," the department stated, emphasizing that voting continues while officials manage the technical matter.

“We are working with the County to resolve this technical matter and remain committed to ensuring a free, fair, safe, and secure election,” the department added.

Yet another poling place place hours in and another County has extended voting. Laflin Borough in Luzerne County will remain open until 9:30 p.m. 'Voters in line before 8 p.m. will be able to vote on the county’s regular voting system. Voters who get in line after 8 p.m. will vote by provisional ballot," the Pennsylvania Department of State wrote in a press release shared over X.

"Polls in all other precincts in the county will still close at 8 p.m."

Meanwhile in Pittsburgh in Allegheny Count. two polling places opened late as the election judges did not arrive on time. 

The District 31, Precinct 3 polling place on Muldowney Avenue in the Lincoln Place neighborhood required a fill-in judge, around 8:15 a.m., officials said. The location fully opened at 8:50 a.m.

The same issue happened at the polling place in Whitehall but it was operational as of 8:20 a.m.

The is no word about what caused the judges to be late or if voting time will be extended in those locations. Polls were supposed to open at 7 a.m.

As a registered voter, if you are finding problems at your polling location on Election Day, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of State, but first you should try to resolve it at the location by meeting with your location election judge then reporting it to your county election office.

Click here to find out how to contact your county election office. 

Click here to file a complaint with the state. 

If you believe your rights have been violated, click here to file a HAVA complaint form.

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