Pennsylvania County Using Paper Ballots After Software Malfunction – JP
Cambria County, Pennsylvania, has switched to using paper ballots following software malfunctions with voting machines.
“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. This should not discourage voters from voting at their voting precincts,” Cambria County solicitor Ron Repak said in a statement, as per WJAC.
“The Board has filed a Court Order extending the time to vote within Cambria County. No one should be turned away from the polls if they wish to cast their vote,” he added. “Cambria County Board of Elections took measures to have IT specialists called to review the software issue. There is a process in place for issues of this nature.”
“All completed ballots will be accepted, secured, and counted by the Board of Elections. The County Board of Elections has express voting machine at precinct locations to continue to allow voting electronically, while still allowing hand ballots to be cast,” Repak said. “The County Board of Elections will be continuing to monitor this issue and take any necessary action to ensure that all voters have an opportunity to cast their ballots. We thank the community for their patience and support while this issue is rectified. In summary, all votes will be counted and we continue to encourage everyone to vote.”
The court has since issued an order extending voting from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Cambria County.
Voting issues have also been confirmed in Bedford County, while unconfirmed reports of voting issues have been received in Blair, Somerset, and Luzerne counties.
Ballots are being secured in lock boxes until they can be scanned, according to reports.