The Pennsylvania Department of State has announced that the results of the state’s upcoming election may not be available on election night, citing extended ballot-counting processes.

This announcement, made via a social media post, has sparked concerns and frustrations, especially among critics who recall a similar situation that occurred in the Keystone State on 2020's election night, which delayed knowledge of the outcome for several days, as the Post Millennial reports.

In 2020, Pennsylvania became the center of national attention when the initial results appeared to favor then-President Donald Trump, only for the final outcome to declare Joe Biden as the winner after all mail-in ballots were counted.

The prolonged counting period led to widespread frustration and allegations of election rigging, particularly from Trump’s supporters.

Concerns Over Extended Counting in Pennsylvania

The Department of State’s recent announcement has reignited these concerns. In their statement, officials emphasized that the delay in results should not be seen as a sign of any wrongdoing. “Pennsylvanians won’t always know the final results of all races on election night. Any changes in results that occur as counties continue to count ballots are not evidence that an election is ‘rigged,’” the department stated.

Critics argue that election results should be finalized by Nov. 5, the day after Election Day. However, this year, as in 2020, Pennsylvania lawmakers did not pass legislation that would have allowed for the pre-canvassing of ballots, a process that could have sped up the counting.

Legislation Efforts and Delays in Election Results

In May, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed an initiative aimed at changing the law to allow for pre-canvassing. Despite this effort, the initiative did not advance to become legislation, leaving the state’s election process unchanged and vulnerable to the same delays seen in previous elections.

The implications of delayed results are significant, given Pennsylvania’s crucial role in determining the outcome of the presidential election. With 19 electoral votes, the state is often a key battleground, and a close race could mean that the final outcome remains uncertain for several days.

Pennsylvania’s Role as a Battleground State

Recent polls underscore the potential for a tight race. According to a poll conducted in August by Trafalgar, former President Donald Trump holds a slight lead over Vice President Kamala Harris, with a two-point advantage. However, a separate poll by the New York Times/Siena showed Harris leading Trump by four points.

These polls highlight Pennsylvania’s importance in the electoral landscape. If the race for the presidency comes down to Pennsylvania or another battleground state like Wisconsin, the country could face another prolonged period of uncertainty. As Rachel Orey, an elections expert with the Bipartisan Policy Center, noted, “If the electoral college comes down to Pennsylvania or Wisconsin, we might still face a long period where we don’t know the winner.”

Potential Impact on Voter Confidence

The prospect of delayed results has also raised concerns about voter confidence. Prolonged counting periods can fuel skepticism about the integrity of the election process, particularly in a politically charged environment where accusations of election rigging have become more common.

While the Department of State has sought to reassure voters that delays are a normal part of the process, the lack of immediate results can lead to confusion and mistrust. This is especially true in an era where misinformation about elections is rampant, and the speed of social media can quickly spread false narratives.

Looking Ahead to Election Day

As Election Day approaches, Pennsylvania voters and the nation will be closely watching the state’s handling of the ballot counting process. The outcome in Pennsylvania could once again play a decisive role in determining the next president, and any delays could have far-reaching implications.

The state’s experience in 2020 serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise when results are not immediately available. While efforts have been made to address these issues, the lack of legislative action means that Pennsylvania remains at risk of experiencing similar delays in future elections.

Conclusion

The Pennsylvania Department of State has cautioned that the results of the upcoming election may not be available on election night, due to the extended counting of ballots.

Despite efforts by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass legislation to speed up the process, no changes have been made.

As a key battleground state with 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania’s role in determining the next president is significant, and any delays could lead to a prolonged period of uncertainty.

With polls showing a close race between Trump and Harris, the nation may once again find itself waiting for Pennsylvania to finalize its election results.