Pennsylvania Delays 2026 E-Pollbook Pilot as Only 3 Counties Sign Up

2 articles · Updated · Spotlight PA · May 12

Pennsylvania's Department of State pushed back a planned May 19 primary pilot that would have let selected counties connect electronic pollbooks to the internet, delaying the test until at least 2027.
Unresolved technical questions and weak county participation drove the decision; only Philadelphia, Lebanon and Delaware counties had enrolled.
The pilot was meant to test functions unlocked by connectivity, including real-time turnout monitoring, instant pollbook updates and faster resolution of Election Day errors.
County officials said those tools could prevent disruptions like Chester County's 2025 paper pollbook mistake, which forced thousands of voters to cast provisional ballots.
The department said it will use the feedback for a broader feasibility review of full connectivity after the 2026 general election, leaving wider adoption uncertain before 2028.

As key election tech upgrades stall, what is Pennsylvania's plan to prevent major problems on election day in 2026?

With its internet pollbook pilot on hold, could offline digital systems be a safer upgrade for Pennsylvania's elections?