Pennsylvania successfully certified the results of its 2024 general election on Wednesday, witnessing a voter turnout of nearly 77%. The process concluded without significant disputes or legal actions, unlike previous elections. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt confirmed the election’s integrity, while Governor Josh Shapiro will finalize the state’s electors for the Electoral College by December 11.
On Wednesday, Pennsylvania officially certified the results of the 2024 general election, concluding a process that many anticipated would be fraught with complications. Initially, each of the state’s 67 counties was tasked with certifying their local results; a few counties fell short of the November 25 deadline due to pending provisional ballots and recounts in the U.S. Senate race. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt confirmed the completion of this process, stating, “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.”
The 2024 election saw over 7 million voters in Pennsylvania participate, leading to a turnout rate of nearly 77%, exceeding the 76% turnout in 2020. Noteworthy is that Pennsylvania experienced no significant disputes or lawsuits contesting the results, diverging from the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 election. Unlike that year, when attempts were made to reverse electoral outcomes, the certification process this year was completed without controversy.
The certification signifies the culmination of a lengthy electoral journey for many races. However, in terms of the presidential contest, two critical steps remain: Governor Josh Shapiro must authorize the state’s 19 electors for the Electoral College, a requirement to be finalized by December 11, followed by the electors meeting in Harrisburg on December 17.
Leading up to the November 5 election, Pennsylvania experienced a wave of legal battles regarding its election code, particularly about the treatment of mail ballots lacking dates on envelopes. Unresolved issues about voters being notified of ballot rejections persist, as does the ongoing debate regarding the constitutionality of counting ballots without proper dates. Despite these concerns, Election Day proceeded smoothly, largely devoid of major disruptions, with the exception of a localized printing error in Cambria County.
The enhancement in handling mail ballots significantly improved efficiency compared to previous elections, allowing for a more timely resolution in many races. Although a particularly close contest for the U.S. Senate took several weeks to resolve, leading to an automatic recount, the prevailing performance of counties demonstrated their maturation and preparedness for the electoral process.
The article reports on the certification of the 2024 general election results in Pennsylvania, highlighting the smooth process experienced compared to past elections. The news emphasizes the increased voter turnout and the absence of major controversies that characterized previous elections, particularly in 2020. It also discusses outstanding legal questions regarding mail-in ballots and the progress made in addressing election-related procedures and challenges. This update is crucial for understanding Pennsylvania’s electoral landscape and the ongoing developments in voting regulations.
In conclusion, Pennsylvania’s certification of the 2024 election results marks a significant achievement, reflecting both electoral efficiency and a lack of contentious disputes. The state successfully avoided the complications seen in 2020, suggesting continued improvements in election administration. As the state prepares for the remaining steps in the presidential electoral process, the emphasis on a secure and fair election experience remains a priority for officials moving forward.
Original Source: www.spotlightpa.org
