MEDIA, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Officials in Delaware County have received high praise for their election security practices and are now directing their focus on shoring up security for the upcoming election.
When it comes to authenticating its voting software before and after each election, Delaware County exceeds testing requirements by both state and federal law, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
Delaware County Director of Elections Jim Allen called this a big morale booster, at a time when some elections officials have questioned their work.
“They’re saying that Delaware County is an example of, that we’re doing it right and that we’re verifying that the software on our equipment is exactly what was certified by the federal government,” said Allen.
“It's one thing for us to say that we’re doing this special test on the equipment. It’s another thing to have an outside agency come and review our process and not only say that we’re doing it but that we’re doing it right.”
Allen said people who plan to vote in November’s election should be mindful of the Oct. 20 registration deadline. “You can actually go online, all the way until 11:59 p.m. and update your registration if you’ve moved or if you’ve had a name change,” he said.
When it comes to heading out to the polls, Allen advises voters to come prepared. “Be sure to check out your sample ballot and research it before you come to the polls so that you’re ready to vote,” he said.
As for people who opt to vote by mail, Allen cautioned them to be vigilant about their ballots.
“Be sure to check your emails to be certain that your ballot has been received,” he said, “and that there haven’t been any kind of issues, such as a failure to sign the envelope.”