Pennsylvania Certifies 2024 Election Results Amid Efficient Process
Pennsylvania has certified the results of the 2024 general election, avoiding contention that plagued prior elections. A voter turnout of nearly 77% was reported. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to finalize the process with a certificate for Trump’s electors by Dec. 11. The legal framework leading to the election resulted in smoother administration, with only minor incidents reported on Election Day.
On Wednesday, Pennsylvania confirmed the results of the 2024 general election, concluding a process that some anticipated would generate contention. Each of the 67 counties in the state was required to certify their individual results, with a minor number exceeding the deadline on November 25 due to pending provisional ballots and an ongoing recount in the U.S. Senate race. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Al Schmidt, stated, “After a careful review of the counties’ election results, I am pleased to confirm that Pennsylvania had a free, fair, safe, and secure general election on Nov. 5,” highlighting the robust efforts of county election officials.
The election witnessed a turnout of over 7 million voters, equating to nearly 77%, a slight rise compared to the 76% turnout rate observed during the previous election in 2020. Pennsylvania’s recent election certification avoided the disarray experienced after the 2020 election, which involved court battles and alternate electors due to unaccepted results. The certification this year was notably earlier than the delayed processes in previous elections.
However, for the presidential election results, two further steps remain. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to sign a certificate of ascertainment by December 11, confirming the state’s 19 electors for Donald Trump for the upcoming Electoral College meeting on December 17. The precursory legal skirmishes leading into the election were significant, addressing various elements of election law and mail-in ballot procedures. Notably, citizens faced complications surrounding the counting of mail ballots lacking proper markings, a matter still pending resolution in the courts.
Election Day was relatively smooth, despite a few isolated incidents, such as a printing error in Cambria County necessitating hand counts and duplications of affected ballots. Unlike in previous years where the counting processes delayed results, efficiency improvements ensured that results were tallied timely. The Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s race concluded several weeks post-election, culminating with a concession after a close contest.
Carter Walker reports for Votebeat in collaboration with Spotlight PA.
The 2024 Pennsylvania election was marked by significant procedural scrutiny and judicial review preceding Election Day, primarily regarding mail-in voting regulations and challenges to the Election Code. The context of high-stakes litigation allowed for smoother execution of election protocols during the election itself, contributing to a swift process of result certification in Pennsylvania. The historical lens of past elections in the state, particularly the disputes surrounding the 2020 election, aided in maintaining order and minimizing contention, thereby restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
In summary, the certification of Pennsylvania’s 2024 election results represents a decisive conclusion to a well-managed electoral process, mitigating earlier concerns about disputes that marred previous elections. The outcomes not only reflect a higher turnout than in 2020 but also illustrate the effectiveness of reforms implemented. As Pennsylvania approaches the conclusion of the presidential election procedures with the expected Final Certificate of Ascertainment and the gathering of electors, it affirms the state’s commitment to electoral integrity and efficiency.
Original Source: www.statecollege.com
