EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The November 5 General Election is fast approaching, and with it, election officials are preparing for what they believe will be a record voter turnout.
You have the choice of voting in person, or by mail, which has led to questions and concerns about the integrity, accuracy, and safety of the election.
28/22 News spoke Thursday with the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of State Al Schmidt, the agency that oversees elections in the Commonwealth. He insists that this election will be fair, safe, and most importantly, the results will be accurate.
"I think the more voters know about elections and election process and the checks and balances that are built into it every step of the way, the more confidence they have in the results," explained Schmidt.
Schmidt says he is aware that many voters have questions about the election process.
No mail ballot drop boxes in Luzerne County during General Election
"Elections have changed so much in the last several years, but they changed for the better. They've never been more safe and secure with a paper ballot record of every vote that's cast in Pennsylvania in every county that's used in two audits after each election to ensure the tabulated results are accurate," Schmidt explained.
Schmidt responded to concerns expressed across the nation and in Pennsylvania about voter safety at polling places because of the often nasty tone of this election because the nation is so divided politically.
"The Shapiro Administration and our federal, state, and local partners are working together to make sure that if we do encounter any ugliness targeting our votes targeting our polling places, or targeting our election workers they will be prepared," Schmidt added.
Voters 28/22 News spoke with just want to know their vote and others count.
"I don't have any personal concerns about the election process. My concern is that people don't trust the process anymore. I think that concerns me when we start questioning the process, then the process tends to break down," said Cheryl Bayo, a Swoyersville resident.
"I want things to get done. We need to stop this whole left and right only my way or the highway. We need to get things done," said Kingston resident Bob McDonald.
Everyone 28/22 News spoke with agreed that no matter what, people have to let their voices be heard by voting.
