Election Day Alert

November 7, 2017 | Topic: Consumers

Attorney General Josh Shapiro Guides Voters Where to Turn if they Experience Problems Voting at the Polls Today

HARRISBURG — On Election Day, Attorney General Josh Shapiro is providing direction to Pennsylvania voters for where to turn and who to call if they experience any problems voting, or if they see any indication of election violations today.

Pennsylvanians are voting on judicial races, including seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court and Commonwealth Court, a ballot referendum that would change state law on property tax relief, and a slew of local races across the Commonwealth.

“Every vote counts in our democracy, and it’s vitally important that our elections be conducted in an honest and fair manner across our Commonwealth today and in every election,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “If you see something inappropriate or feel your right to vote is being undermined in any way, you should contact my office, your local district attorney, or county election board for assistance.”

The Office of Attorney General filed charges recently against four election workers in Philadelphia for fraudulent activity in a special election earlier this year.

In Philadelphia, District Attorney Kelley B. Hodge and her office are staffing an Election Fraud Task Force today for voters experiencing any difficulties casting their ballot.  The Task Force hotline numbers are 215-686-9641, 9643 and 9644.

“Our Election Fraud Task Force is fully staffed and strategically deployed through the City to quickly respond to any issues that may arise,” DA Hodge said.  “If anyone has trouble casting their vote or sees something they believe is illegal, they should immediately call the Task Force at 215-686-9641 so our Detectives and Assistant District Attorneys can look into the potential violation.”

Across Pennsylvania, the Department of State’s Bureau of Elections is urging voters to report suspicious activity at their polling location by calling the Department at 1-877-868-3772 or submitting an election complaint form, found at the Department of State’s website. You can also contact your County Board of Elections at votespa.com/county.

If voters in any of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties experience difficulty or intimidation in any way at the polls, they can contact their local District Attorney. Here’s a link to the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association, listing every D.A.:   http://www.pdaa.org/da-directory/

“We encourage Pennsylvanians to vote today, and we want the electoral process to be conducted fairly and honestly statewide,” said Berks County District Attorney John Adams, president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.  “If you see anything otherwise at your polling place, contact your local District Attorney for help.”

“We’re watching here in Pennsylvania to ensure today’s election upholds Pennsylvania laws, and we will have no tolerance for any interference in free and fair elections in our Commonwealth,” Attorney General Shapiro said.

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