In a significant development affecting voters in a key battleground state, a Pennsylvania court has ruled that Cambria County can extend voting hours until 10 p.m. EST following widespread issues with ballot-scanning machines.
The county faced major disruptions on Election Day, leaving many voters frustrated and scrambling to cast their ballots.
The unexpected software malfunction early Tuesday morning made it impossible for machines to scan ballots and count votes as planned.
According to reports from WETM, multiple polling locations across Cambria County experienced severe difficulties.
Voters shared concerns about the situation, describing the chaos and confusion caused by malfunctioning equipment.
Some polling stations had to resort to securing paper ballots in locked boxes to be scanned and counted later, while others were advising voters to return once the problems were resolved.
The mishap cast a shadow over voting procedures in this crucial county within the tightly contested state of Pennsylvania.
In response to the chaos, Cambria County commissioners took swift action by filing an emergency request with the court to extend voting hours.
The original closing time for polls in the state was 8 p.m., but the court granted an additional two hours to ensure that all voters would have an opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
WTAJ confirmed that the request was approved, providing a lifeline to voters who had been impacted by the morning’s events.
Ron Repak, Cambria County’s election official, issued a statement addressing the crisis. “The Cambria County Board of Election learned early this morning that a software malfunction in the County’s Electronic Voting System has prevented voters from scanning their ballots,” he explained.
Repak emphasized that this technical glitch should not dissuade voters from showing up at the polls. “The Board has filed a Court Order extending the time to vote within Cambria County,” he assured.
Repak further stressed that no voter should be turned away if they wished to cast their ballot. “Cambria County Board of Elections took measures to have IT specialists called to review the software issue.
There is a process in place for issues of this nature. All completed ballots will be accepted, secured, and counted by the Board of Elections,” he continued.
As a precaution, the county has deployed express voting machines at precincts to facilitate electronic voting, while still accepting hand ballots as a backup measure.
Reassuring voters of the county’s commitment to ensuring every vote is counted, Repak added, “The County Board of Elections will continue to monitor this issue and take any necessary action to ensure that all voters have an opportunity to cast their ballots. We thank the community for their patience and support while this issue is rectified. In summary, all votes will be counted, and we continue to encourage everyone to vote.”
The problems also sparked reactions from political leaders, including GOP Chairman Michael Whatley. In a statement addressing the situation, Whatley urged voters to remain patient and persistent.
“We understand that there are some line delays on the ground,” he acknowledged. “We need you to stay in line. We need you to fill out your ballot in full and deliver it. Our Pennsylvania lawyers are all over this issue and will ensure fairness and accuracy in the process. Stay in line! Deliver your ballot!”
As Cambria County works tirelessly to resolve the technical issues and ensure a smooth voting experience, election officials and political leaders are emphasizing the importance of patience and civic duty.
The extension of voting hours serves as a crucial step in upholding voter rights and maintaining confidence in the electoral process amidst unforeseen challenges.