Pennsylvania’s Chief Election Official Responds to Your Queries on Misinformation, Voting Machines, and Beyond

Addressing Misinformation in Pennsylvania Elections

Originally appearing on Spotlight PA, this article delves into the pressing issues of misinformation and voting machine security in the upcoming April 23 primary elections in Pennsylvania. The Secretary of the Commonwealth, Al Schmidt, takes center stage in addressing these queries.

An Interactive Discussion on Building Trust in Elections

In a recent live event, Al Schmidt, Spotlight PA’s Kate Huangpu, and Votebeat’s Carter Walker discussed strategies to foster trust in elections. Missed the discussion? Watch the engaging conversation on Pennsylvania Election Security and Disinformation. Below are Schmidt’s responses to some questions from the event.

Addressing the Departure of Experienced Local Voting Officials

When asked about the significant turnover of election officials at the county level, Schmidt expressed concern about the potential for mistakes in election administration, especially when these are interpreted as intentional or malicious. The Department of State has responded to this issue by creating a new training team for election administrators across Pennsylvania, ensuring all officials, new or seasoned, are well-prepared.

The Election Threats Task Force

The Election Threats Task Force was established to enhance communication between election-runners and law enforcement in response to threats, such as those experienced in 2020. The Task Force aims to foster clearer understanding of roles and responsibilities on Election Day.

Combatting Mis- and Disinformation in the 2020 Election

Misinformation was a significant issue during the 2020 election. Schmidt emphasizes the importance of transparency and truth to counteract misinformation. Rather than arguing with different parties, the department aims to ensure voters receive accurate, truthful election information to be informed participants in the democratic process.