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Despite these concerns, efforts to streamline the counting process in Pennsylvania have stalled. The state’s legislature considered measures that would allow for pre-canvassing of ballots—essentially allowing election officials to begin processing mail-in ballots before Election Day—but no legislation was passed before the end of the legislative session. This means that once again, Pennsylvania may be in for a long, drawn-out count.
In May, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved a related initiative that could have sped up the process, but it failed to gain traction in the Senate. As a result, the state’s election officials are now bracing for the possibility of a prolonged count, especially if the race is as close as many predict.
The stakes in Pennsylvania couldn’t be higher. With 19 electoral votes up for grabs, the state is seen as a crucial battleground that could determine the outcome of the presidential race. If the election is closely contested, as many expect, it could be days before the final results are known, particularly if Pennsylvania’s vote is decisive.
Rachel Orey, an elections expert with the Bipartisan Policy Center, highlighted the potential for delays, saying, “If the electoral college comes down to Pennsylvania or Wisconsin, we might still face a long period where we don’t know the winner.” This possibility has only added to the anxiety surrounding the upcoming election, with many voters fearing a repeat of 2020’s drawn-out and contentious process.
Polls show that the race in Pennsylvania is incredibly tight. Former President Trump has maintained a lead over President Biden throughout much of the year, but that lead has narrowed in recent weeks. A recent Trafalgar poll showed Trump ahead by two points against Vice President Kamala Harris, while a New York Times/Siena poll had Harris leading by four points. These conflicting polls underscore just how close the race could be, and how important Pennsylvania’s results will be in determining the overall winner.
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As the election draws nearer, all eyes will be on Pennsylvania. The state’s announcement of potential delays has only heightened the tension, with many wondering whether the 2024 election will mirror the chaos and controversy of 2020. While election officials have sought to reassure voters that the process will be fair and transparent, the memories of 2020 loom large, and the possibility of another prolonged count has many on edge.
In a race as pivotal as this, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the possibility of extended delays in Pennsylvania only adds to the uncertainty. With so much riding on the outcome, voters are right to be concerned—and to demand a process that is both timely and transparent. Whether Pennsylvania can deliver on that promise remains to be seen.
