October 25, 2024, Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia’s Election Committee Chair Omar Sabir, Vice Chair Lisa Deeley, and Commissioner Seth Bluestein, together with Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, led a media tour of the Philadelphia Election headquarters to showcase preparations for handling mail-in ballots on Election Day. The tour was aimed at demonstrating the transparency and security of the election process, helping to alleviate any public concerns about ballot handling.
During the tour, the Election Committee members highlighted the advanced equipment and streamlined processes at the ballot headquarters, including automated ballot sorting and scanning equipment, along with stringent security measures. They emphasized the committee’s commitment to conducting fair, safe, and efficient elections in Philadelphia.
Election Committee Chair Omar Sabir underscored that Philadelphia will uphold its principles of “fairness, justice, and transparency,” ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote and that every valid ballot is counted.
Vice Chair Lisa Deeley elaborated on the committee’s dedication to ballot security, noting that the ballot warehouse is equipped with the latest security systems to guarantee the safe storage and handling of all ballots.
Commissioner Seth Bluestein described the thorough training of election staff, who are highly skilled in operating the equipment and strictly follow set protocols to ensure smooth operations.
Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt expressed the state government’s commitment to election security, noting close cooperation with county governments and federal law enforcement agencies to uphold a safe and orderly election. He reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance on election fraud and interference, ensuring that each vote is respected and protected.
This media tour illustrated Philadelphia Election Committee’s extensive preparations to safeguard election integrity, including:
– Advanced Ballot-Counting Equipment: Automated sorting and scanning machinery significantly boosts efficiency and reduces the risk of human error.
– Robust Security Measures: The ballot warehouse is secured with state-of-the-art systems to protect ballots throughout the election process.
– Trained Election Staff: Committee staff have undergone rigorous training, enabling them to operate various machines with precision while strictly adhering to established protocols.
The committee also explained the step-by-step process for receiving, sorting, and counting mail-in ballots, while ensuring voter anonymity and ballot security. They detailed procedures to address any disputes or questions that may arise during the election.
This visit provided the media with an in-depth understanding of Philadelphia’s ballot handling procedures and security protocols, reinforcing public confidence in the election process. The Election Committee encourages all eligible voters to participate and to trust in Philadelphia’s reliable electoral system.
