HARRISBURG – In advance of the Nov. 8 general election, Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés hosted an election preparedness meeting with county election officials and representatives from the presidential campaigns, state political parties, legislative campaign committees and voter advocacy groups.
The meeting, held Oct. 14 in Harrisburg, highlighted guidance regarding conduct at the polling place, as well as the proper processes for addressing issues that may arise on Election Day.
“At the Department of State, our chief goal is to ensure that Pennsylvania has a fair, secure and smooth election on Nov. 8,” Cortés said. “This meeting provided those involved in the process an opportunity to receive information directly from those of us in the state that administer the electoral process.”
Invited to the meeting were officials representing:
- The presidential campaigns
- Statewide parties that have nominated presidential candidates – Democratic, Republican, Constitution, Green and Libertarian
- House and Senate Democratic and Republican campaign committees
- Association of Eastern PA County Elections Personnel
- Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
- League of Women Voters of PA
- Pennsylvania Voice
- County Commissioners Association of PA
- Office of the Philadelphia City Commissioners
Department of State and county personnel provided an overview of guidance addressing various topics, including: individuals permitted inside the polling place, poll watcher rules, voter challenge procedures and voter intimidation. Provisional ballot procedures, common scenarios that occur on Election Day and the proper response were also discussed.
Representatives of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts joined Department staff in outlining the protocols for addressing Election Day issues and, if necessary, reporting them to the appropriate county or state offices.
The Department of State also reviewed the Commonwealth’s security preparations. Pennsylvania is recognized as a leader in cybersecurity among the states and is working closely with local, state and federal partners to safeguard the integrity of the General Election.