Former President Donald Trump’s false claims of election fraud stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of Pennsylvania’s election process. Election directors in the state have highlighted the decentralized and local nature of election administration, making it unlikely for widespread fraud to occur.
The state’s election administration is divided into three levels: the Department of State, county-level officials, and poll workers on the ground. Each layer plays a crucial role in safeguarding against fraud, with the Department of State managing the voter registration database and certifying election results.
While the Election Code provides a basic framework for election administration, it has not been comprehensively updated since 1937 and contains outdated language. County election directors have significant autonomy in interpreting and implementing election rules, with boards of elections making key policy decisions.
The passage of Act 77 in 2019 expanded mail-in voting in Pennsylvania, but left many issues unaddressed, leading to varying practices across counties. Poll workers, including judges of elections and inspectors, play a crucial role on Election Day in ensuring the smooth functioning of polling places.
Overall, Pennsylvania’s election process relies on the collaborative efforts of state and county officials, as well as dedicated poll workers, to ensure the integrity of elections. As the state navigates changes in voting laws and practices, transparency and accountability remain crucial in maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
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