Voting Challenges: Pennsylvania, Cambria County Seeks Extended Voting Hours, Bedford County Tackles Tabulator Issues

Cambria County, Pennsylvania, is seeking a court’s approval to extend voting hours until 10 p.m. due to a software malfunction threatening voter access. Meanwhile, Bedford County is tackling issues with vote-counting machines, ensuring that despite early problems, voters can still cast their ballots without significant disruption.

Voting Challenges: Pennsylvania, Cambria County Seeks Extended Voting Hours, Bedford County Tackles Tabulator Issues
by Shairin Panwar - November 5, 2024, 10:18 pm

In Pennsylvania’s swing state, Cambria County’s Board of Elections has petitioned a state court to extend voting hours on Election Day from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time due to a software malfunction. The court filing stated that this issue poses a risk of disenfranchising a significant number of voters and aims to ensure everyone has an opportunity to cast their ballots.

Meanwhile, in Bedford County, election officials reported problems with vote-counting machines at multiple precincts early Tuesday morning. Despite the issues, voters were still able to cast their ballots. Jeffrey Gable, the elections director for Bedford County, confirmed that support teams were dispatched to address the tabulator problems, stating, “The ability to vote has not been impacted, and all sites are being addressed.”

In Cambria County, the Pennsylvania Department of State is collaborating with local officials to resolve the software issues affecting voters’ ability to scan their ballots, according to spokesperson Matt Heckel. As the election unfolds, both counties are working to ensure that all voters can participate without further disruption.