The biggest threat to the 2024 presidential election according to Pennsylvania election official.

Welcome to the world of elections in Pennsylvania, where the battleground state faced significant turmoil during the 2020 election. From protests to court challenges to threats against election officials, the state has seen it all. One key figure in this turbulent landscape is Republican Al Schmidt, who has had his fair share of experiences overseeing elections in Philadelphia and now serves as the secretary of the commonwealth, Pennsylvania’s top election official.

Schmidt recently voiced his concerns about the high turnover rate among election officials, citing it as the greatest threat to the upcoming 2024 presidential election. More than 80 senior election officials across a majority of Pennsylvania’s counties have left their positions, leading to increased likelihood of errors in election administration due to the inexperience of their replacements.

An analysis of the 2020 general election in Pennsylvania revealed a doubling of ballot errors in municipal general elections from 2021 to 2023. These errors ranged from incorrect voter instructions to duplicate ballots, missing races or candidates, and even spelling mistakes. Despite these challenges, Schmidt emphasized the importance of taking remedial actions to ensure the accuracy and integrity of election results.

One individual facing his first presidential election as an election director is Chris Spackman of Dauphin County. While Spackman feels supported in his new role, not all counties have the same level of resources and manpower to handle their election processes effectively. In some cases, a single person must manage the entire election process, relying on other departments or offices within the county to maintain voting integrity.

Schmidt addressed concerns about the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election, noting that 72% of Pennsylvania Republicans do not consider President Biden the rightful winner. He urged those with doubts to get more involved in the election process, emphasizing the importance of running elections in a way that is free, fair, safe, and secure, regardless of political affiliations.

As the next Election Day approaches, Schmidt’s singular hope is for news agencies to report that “Election Day went smoothly in Pennsylvania.” With a focus on accuracy, integrity, and public confidence, Pennsylvania’s election officials are gearing up for the challenges that lie ahead in the democratic process.