Pennsylvania Election Integrity Emphasized
Pennsylvania’s Secretary of the Commonwealth, Al Schmidt, affirmed on Sunday that the 2020 elections in the state were “accurate” and reiterated that Pennsylvania is “not susceptible to any sort of widespread voter fraud.” His remarks were made during an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” where he discussed ongoing preparations for the upcoming election day. Schmidt referenced the numerous legal cases from 2020, emphasizing that they consistently upheld the integrity of the state’s electoral process.
In light of recent concerns regarding election integrity, Schmidt acknowledged that the issue is particularly pressing in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state. The Lancaster County district attorney recently reported instances of voter registration fraud associated with a group of approximately 2,500 ballots. In response, Schmidt’s office was contacted promptly for guidance, and he confirmed that an investigation is currently underway to address the matter responsibly. He expressed his commitment to collaborating with local counties to ensure that the 2024 election is conducted in a “free, fair, safe, and secure” manner, similar to the standards upheld in 2020.
Enhanced Security Measures in Place
As Election Day approaches, Pennsylvania election officials are actively addressing threats faced by election workers. Schmidt recounted the chaotic situation in 2020 when officials struggled to respond to incoming threats. However, significant improvements have been implemented since then. An election threat task force, composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement, has been established to enhance security for the electoral process. Schmidt highlighted the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and clearly defined roles among various agencies, which have collectively strengthened the state’s preparedness for potential challenges.
He remarked, “So that if any of the ugliness returns that we experienced in 2020, everyone will be ready.” This proactive stance underscores the commitment of Pennsylvania officials to safeguard the electoral process from any form of disruption.
Commitment to Certification Regardless of Outcome
In a show of bipartisan support for election integrity, Schmidt pledged to certify the election results regardless of which political party prevails. This sentiment was echoed by Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who also appeared on “Face the Nation” on the same day. Fontes emphasized that the state’s safety and security measures surrounding the tabulation of election results are drastically different from those of previous years.
Reflecting on past challenges, Fontes humorously recalled how the greatest security threat in 2018 was a rattlesnake in a precinct parking lot. He assured viewers that the current circumstances are “radically different” and expressed confidence in their preparations for a secure election. Both officials’ commitments signal a concerted effort to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted with the utmost integrity and security.
