Pennsylvania Certifies Results of 2024 General Election With High Voter Turnout

Pennsylvania certified the 2024 election results with a turnout of nearly 77%. Secretary Al Schmidt confirmed the election’s integrity, stating it was free and secure. Following minimal disputes and legal challenges, the state avoided complications experienced in previous elections, leading to a smoother certification process. Governor Shapiro must now finalize electors for the Electoral College by mid-December.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania officials confirmed the results of the 2024 general election, following the successful certification by each of the state’s 67 counties. Despite some counties missing the initial certification deadline due to outstanding provisional ballots and recounts in the U.S. Senate race, all local results were ultimately certified. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Al Schmidt, expressed satisfaction over the electoral 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.” More than 7 million voters participated, resulting in a turnout of nearly 77%. Unlike previous elections, 2024’s certification was smooth, with no significant disputes or legal challenges reported.

The upcoming steps for finalizing the presidential election involve Governor Josh Shapiro signing a certificate of ascertainment by December 11, which would legitimize the 19 electors for Donald Trump prior to their meeting on December 17. This election cycle was marked by extensive litigation over various aspects of the Election Code, yet the day of the election proceeded without major disruptions. Although there were minor issues, such as a printing error in Cambria County, counties collectively managed mail ballot processing more effectively than in previous years.

In the weeks following the election, notable races such as the U.S. Senate contest were particularly close, prompting uncertainty and the activation of recount protocols. Ultimately, prior complications were largely avoided, leading to a more streamlined election and certification process than experienced in the 2020 election, which had seen extensive delays and court challenges. This time, confidence in the election’s integrity appears to have been upheld, as both election officials and observers noted an overall improvement in the execution of the electoral process in Pennsylvania.

Election certification in Pennsylvania typically involves a multi-step process where each of the state’s counties must first certify their local election results before statewide validation takes place. The 2024 general election was particularly scrutinized with heightened litigation and public concern, especially since recent elections in the state had faced significant legal challenges and post-election disputes. Overall, the state aimed to ensure a fair and safe electoral environment, especially in light of prior criticisms regarding election integrity. The significant increase in voter turnout indicated a strong civic engagement among Pennsylvanians, which reflects on the overall electoral process leading up to the certification of results.

In conclusion, Pennsylvania’s successful certification of the 2024 general election results marks a significant achievement in ensuring electoral integrity. The transition was blighted by fewer disputes compared to previous polls, highlighting improvements in the state’s election processes. As the certification leads to the appointment of electors for the presidential election, this year’s smooth execution of voting and counting protocols suggests a collective effort towards greater election transparency and security.

Original Source: www.spotlightpa.org