Computer glitch forces Pennsylvania to extend voting until 10 p.m.

First hiccup on this election day. A Pennsylvania judge ordered voting hours to be extended until 10 p.m. in Cambria County, CNN reports. Because a technical problem prevented voters from scanning their ballots. This problem generated concern among voters, but local officials quickly mobilized to ensure the continuity of the electoral process. Cambria has a population of more than 130,000 residents.

Ron Repak, county attorney, confirmed the malfunction in a statement, explaining that “the Cambria County Board of Elections learned early this morning that a software failure in the electronic voting system prevented voters from scanning their ballots.” . He wanted to reassure citizens, stressing that this situation “should not discourage voters from going to their polling stations”. All necessary measures are implemented to ensure that every voice counts.

“All ballots will be accepted”

Election officials insisted no voter would be prevented from voting. “All completed ballots will be accepted, secured and counted by the Board of Elections,” said Ron Repak, who also clarified that express voting machines are available in the offices to allow voters to continue to vote electronically, while offering the possibility of submitting paper ballots. “All votes will be counted and we continue to encourage everyone to vote,” he added.

The Pennsylvania Department of State is closely monitoring the situation. “Voters continue to vote by paper ballot, consistent with normal operations, while the county addresses the scanning issue at polling locations. We are working with the county to resolve this technical matter and remain committed to ensuring a free, fair, safe and secure election,” he said in a statement.

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