Pennsylvania voting equipment fails in two counties

Multiple ballot scanners are currently out of service at several polling locations in Cambria and Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of State said it was in contact with officials in Cambria County to resolve the technical issues.

“Voters continue to vote by paper ballot as part of normal operations while the county resolves the issue through in-county scanning,” the department wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“We are working with the county to resolve this technical matter and remain committed to ensuring a free, fair, safe and secure election.”

Cambria County Attorney Ron Repak said a software glitch caused the problem and that he has filed a court order to extend voting hours.

“The Cambria County Board of Elections learned earlier today that a software glitch in the county’s electronic voting system prevented voters from scanning their ballots. This should not deter voters from voting in their precincts,” he said, according to a statement to local outlet WJAC.

“The Board has filed a court order to extend the voting deadline in Cambria County. No one should be turned away from the polls if they want to vote.”

“The Cambria County Board of Elections has taken action to bring in IT specialists to review the software issue. There is a process in place for issues of this nature. All completed ballots are accepted, secured and counted by the Board of Elections.”

He added: “The District Election Board has express voting machines at locations across the district to continue to enable electronic voting while allowing hand votes to be cast. The County Board of Elections will continue to monitor this issue and will take any necessary action.”Ensure all voters have the opportunity to cast their ballot.

“We thank the community for their patience and support while this issue is resolved. In summary, all votes will be counted and we continue to encourage everyone to vote.”

WJAC also reported voting problems at some machines in neighboring Bedford County.

Election officials in Bedford are reportedly working to repair the affected machines and are storing cast ballots in a locker until they can be tabulated.

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