In 2020, the battleground state of Pennsylvania faced significant turmoil with election protests, court challenges, and threats against election officials, including Republican Al Schmidt. Schmidt, who previously oversaw Philadelphia’s elections as a commissioner and supervised the city’s election, now holds the position of secretary of the commonwealth, the state’s top election official.
He said the greatest threat to the 2024 presidential election is the high turnover rate among those officials who are responsible for running elections. “Some people left because of the ugly environment with threats. Some people left because it was time for them to retire,” said Schmidt.
More than 80 senior election officials across two-thirds of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have departed. When long-time election workers are replaced by less experienced individuals, the likelihood of errors in election administration increases, according to Schmidt.
An analysis of last year’s general election in Pennsylvania found that ballot errors doubled in the state’s municipal general elections from 2021 to 2023. These errors included incorrect instructions to voters on the number of candidates to vote for, duplicate ballots being sent to the same voter, races or candidates being left off the ballot, improper ballot instructions, and spelling mistakes.
“When you are running elections, there is no room for error, right? There’s no redos or do-overs,” said Schmidt, adding that remedial actions were put in place to ensure the accuracy of the results despite the mistakes.
Chris Spackman, the new director of elections for Dauphin County, will oversee his first presidential election this year. Spackman, who previously served as deputy director, feels well-supported in his new role, receiving guidance from fellow election directors and his predecessor.
But not all counties have the same level of support. In some counties in Pennsylvania and across the country, a single person is responsible for managing the entire election process. Ensuring the integrity of the vote in these cases often requires reliance on other departments or offices within the county.
“But in our experience, you have checks and balances built into this system to make sure election results are accurate and people can have confidence in those results,” said Schmidt.
A CBS News poll revealed that 72% of Pennsylvania Republicans do not consider President Biden the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election. Schmidt encouraged those with doubts to get more involved in the election process.
“When I meet people who are responsible for running elections, I don’t know if they’re Democrats, I don’t know if they’re Republicans, and I don’t really care if they are or not. I care that they’re running elections in a way that’s free and fair and safe and secure,” said Schmidt.
Looking ahead to Nov. 6, the day after Election Day, Schmidt said he has one clear hope: that news agencies report, “Election Day went smoothly in Pennsylvania.”
The challenges faced by election officials in Pennsylvania highlight the importance of ensuring a smooth and accurate electoral process. With the high turnover rate among election officials and the increasing complexity of election administration, it is crucial to provide adequate support and resources to those responsible for running elections.
Schmidt’s emphasis on the need for free, fair, safe, and secure elections resonates with the core principles of democracy. Regardless of political affiliations, the integrity of the electoral process should be upheld to maintain public trust and confidence in the outcomes of elections.
As Pennsylvania prepares for the upcoming presidential election, the efforts of election officials like Chris Spackman and Al Schmidt are essential in ensuring that the electoral process runs smoothly and accurately. By addressing the challenges and obstacles faced in previous elections, they can work towards enhancing the integrity and reliability of future elections.
The departure of experienced election officials and the increase in ballot errors underscore the importance of investing in training, support, and resources for election workers. By prioritizing the professional development and well-being of those responsible for running elections, Pennsylvania can mitigate potential risks and ensure the success of future electoral processes.
In a time of heightened political polarization and skepticism towards election results, it is crucial for election officials to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and transparency. By prioritizing the accuracy and security of the electoral process, Pennsylvania can set an example for other states and reaffirm its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Pennsylvania faces a critical test in ensuring that its electoral process is free from interference, errors, and threats. By learning from past challenges and implementing proactive measures to address potential risks, election officials can uphold the integrity and credibility of the electoral process and safeguard the democratic rights of all citizens.
The role of election officials like Al Schmidt and Chris Spackman is pivotal in maintaining the trust and confidence of the public in the electoral process. As they navigate the complexities and challenges of running elections in a highly polarized and contentious environment, their dedication and commitment to upholding the principles of democracy serve as a beacon of hope and resilience in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
