Election officials in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, announced that vote-counting machines in several precincts encountered technical difficulties early on Election Day, but voters were still able to cast their ballots without delay.
Jeffrey Gable, Bedford County’s elections director, explained that the issues were identified and swiftly addressed after the county’s Elections Office received calls from various precincts before polls opened. “Before the polls opened, several precincts across Bedford County reported problems with tabulator machines,” Gable said in a statement. “Our teams were able to pinpoint the cause and dispatched support teams to resolve the problem.” He assured the public that the issue had no impact on voters’ ability to cast their ballots and confirmed that election teams were working to ensure all affected sites were operating smoothly.
Meanwhile, around 50 miles away in neighboring Cambria County, a “software malfunction” created similar issues, disrupting some voters’ ability to scan their ballots. In response, Cambria County officials have requested an extension of voting hours to accommodate those impacted. The Pennsylvania Department of State is actively collaborating with county officials to manage the situation and address any ongoing issues, according to department spokesperson Matt Heckel.
These reported issues come as voters across Pennsylvania participate in key races and measures during the election. Election officials have reassured the public that while the technical difficulties initially affected some precincts, prompt action has been taken to maintain voting access. Both counties are continuing efforts to rectify the technical challenges fully and restore smooth operations in all affected precincts.
The swift response by election officials and the deployment of support teams reflect ongoing efforts to mitigate election-day disruptions and ensure that all voters can participate without hindrance. The Pennsylvania Department of State is closely monitoring the situation, offering support where needed, and aiming to keep voting processes secure and accessible across the state.
