• Philadelphia will expedite mail ballot processing for the upcoming 2024 election.
  • Electronic pollbooks and a decrease in mail ballots are expected to enhance efficiency.
  • Efforts are aimed at reducing misinformation and restoring public trust.

Philadelphia's City Commissioner Lisa Deeley has announced that efforts are underway to accelerate the counting of mail ballots in the 2024 election, addressing delays that plagued the 2020 election. The city plans to utilize electronic pollbooks, which will streamline the reconciliation process, and anticipates a reduction in mail ballots from 375,000 in 2020 to 234,000 this year, according to people familiar with the matter.

The move comes in response to the significant delays experienced during the 2020 presidential election, where it took four days to declare a winner in Pennsylvania, fueling conspiracy theories and public distrust. With the implementation of updated equipment and refined processes, Philadelphia aims to align with broader trends in election administration that emphasize speed and accuracy.

Pennsylvania's current election laws, which prevent pre-canvassing mail ballots before Election Day, have been a major factor in past delays. However, improvements in staffing and equipment are expected to mitigate these issues, according to election officials. The Commissioner noted that faster ballot counting will not only benefit voters by reducing uncertainty but also lessen the workload and pressure on election staff.

In a parallel development, Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, has already demonstrated faster mail ballot processing capabilities, setting a benchmark for Philadelphia. Efforts to combat voter disinformation and increase transparency, such as organizing tours of counting headquarters, continue to be a priority for election authorities.

While Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt acknowledges the strides made in improving election processes, he cautions that the inherent closeness of elections will always play a role in the timing of result announcements. Nevertheless, the enhanced measures are anticipated to have both short-term and long-term benefits, including quicker election outcomes and bolstered public confidence in the electoral system.