On Election Day, November 5, 2024, voters in Cambria and Bedford counties, Pennsylvania, encountered significant issues with voting machines, leading to confusion and delays at polling stations. Both counties, known for their strong Republican support, faced problems with ballot scanning devices, prompting officials to take immediate action to ensure all votes were counted.
Cambria County experienced a software problem. County Solicitor Ron Repak stated, “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.” To address the issue, officials filed a court order to extend voting hours until 10 p.m., two hours beyond the standard closing time, allowing more time for voters to cast their ballots.
Similarly, Bedford County experienced disruptions with its voting machines, causing delays and concerns among voters. Officials assured the public that all completed ballots would be accepted, secured, and counted once the technical issues were resolved.
These malfunctions raised concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement in these critical swing state counties. Cambria and Bedford counties had previously shown strong support for former President Donald Trump, with 68% and 83% of the vote, respectively, in the 2020 election.
Nathan Anderson, an IT specialist from Johnstown, Cambria’s largest city, encountered issues at his polling site. He noted, “I was able to turn in my ballot; whether or not it gets scanned, I’ll never know, to be honest.” Anderson observed that other voters left their ballots with poll workers to be scanned later rather than returning once the machines were fixed.
The Pennsylvania Department of State acknowledged the problems and worked with local officials to resolve them. They assured voters that paper ballots would be counted once the technical issues were fixed.
As the day progressed, technicians were dispatched to address the malfunctions, and officials remained committed to ensuring that every vote was counted. The swift response aimed to maintain voter confidence and uphold the integrity of the electoral process in these pivotal counties.
This situation reinforces a broader distrust among voters who already feel that technical failures might lead to errors or even manipulation in how their votes are handled. Pennsylvania’s importance as a swing state and past claims of election rigging amplify the heightened anxiety around these issues, making every reported irregularity a potential fuel for conspiracy theories.