BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Nearly a month after Election Day, Pennsylvania Department of State officials announced Monday that two audits affirmed the accuracy of the results.
Under state law, each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties is required to conduct a statistical audit. County officials review samples of either 2,000 ballots or 2% of the local ballots cast — whichever figure is lower.
Those figures then are compared with the county's initial tally for accuracy.
All counties reported accurate audit results, according to state officials.
“These audits are statistical proof that the reported general election results are accurate, which is a testament to the hard work of county election officials who have spent weeks diligently ensuring the integrity of the election results."Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt
An additional 32 counties — including Lehigh and Northampton counties — participated in a risk-limiting audit. This year, the counties sorted by hand through a total of more than 37,000 ballots in the state treasurer race.
The state has described that method as the highest standard of election audits used in the nation.
Of that pool, the risk-limiting audit found a discrepancy of six votes — 0.016% of votes reviewed. The audit swung the results by a total of two votes, state officials said.
Statistical proof results are accurate
The audit should not have any impact on the outcome of the state treasurer race, as Republican incumbent Stacey Garrity is expected to defeat Democratic challenger Erin McClelland by about 427,000 votes.
“Thank you to the election workers across all 67 counties for once again delivering a free, fair, safe and secure election in Pennsylvania.”Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt
“These audits are statistical proof that the reported general election results are accurate, which is a testament to the hard work of county election officials who have spent weeks diligently ensuring the integrity of the election results,” Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt Schmidt said.
“Thank you to the election workers across all 67 counties for once again delivering a free, fair, safe and secure election in Pennsylvania.”
Lehigh and Northampton counties certified their election results on Nov. 25, the state deadline. Those results were sent on to Schmidt, who has yet to complete the certification process.
He has until Dec. 11, when Gov. Josh Shapiro must sign Pennsylvania's certificate of ascertainment.
The document identifies which of Pennsylvania's nominated Electoral College electors will cast votes for the 2024 presidential race.
