Pennsylvania County Extends Voting Time After ‘Software Problem’ With Ballot Scanning

A Pennsylvania judge granted a petition to extend the voting period until 1 p.m. 10:00 PM ET after an “error” prevented voters in Cambria County from scanning their ballots.

Election officials stressed that no one wishing to cast their vote will be turned away and that all votes will be counted. Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Whatley 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 error 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 area.”

“All completed ballots will be accepted, secured and counted by the Board of Elections. The County Board of Elections has Express Voting Machine (sic) at the locations to continue to allow electronic voting while still allowing hand votes to be cast.” Repak said.

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A person votes on Election Day at the Pittsburgh Manchester School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 5, 2024. (Reuters/Quinn Glabicki)

All votes cast after the original closing time of 8 p.m. ET will be by preliminary voting, the court ordered.

The Pennsylvania Department of State said it was working with local officials to resolve the issue.

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“The State Department is in contact with county officials in Cambria County. Voters will continue to vote by paper ballot in accordance with normal operations while the county resolves the issue with in-precinct scanning. We are working with the county to resolve this technical issue and remain committed to ensure a free, fair, safe and secure election.”

A man leaves a polling place Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Springfield, Pennsylvania. (AP/Matt Slocum)

Before the court granted the extension, Whatley had assured voters that Republican Party lawyers were “all over the place” on the issue.

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“We understand there are some line delays on the ground,” Whatley wrote on X. “We need you to stay in line. We need you to fill out your ballot in full and turn it in. Our Pennsylvania- attorneys are all over this issue and will ensure fairness and accuracy in the process.”