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Election Day in Pennsylvania has been marred by a wave of voting machine malfunctions and ballot scanning problems.

Reports from multiple counties, particularly Cambria and Bedford, reveal that voting issues are leaving countless voters frustrated as they attempt to exercise their rights in this crucial election.

Early Tuesday morning, voters across Cambria County and nearby Bedford County were met with malfunctioning voting machines unable to scan their ballots. According to 6 News, voters reported machines freezing and failing to recognize cast ballots.

At some precincts, election officials resorted to placing completed paper ballots in lock boxes, intending to scan them later once the technical issues are resolved. In other areas, frustrated voters were instructed to return later in the day when the machines were expected to be back online.

Reports from Bedford County echo the chaos, with election officials confirming that voting machine issues are stalling the vote-counting process. Bedford officials, like those in Cambria, have resorted to storing paper ballots in lock boxes until they can be accurately scanned, according to 6 News.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Blair, Somerset, and Luzerne counties are experiencing similar issues.

Election officials have confirmed issues with voting machines and software in both Cambria and Bedford counties.

Cambria County commissioners have filed an emergency request to extend polling hours from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In response, Ron Repak, the solicitor for Cambria County, issued a statement:

“The Cambria County Board of Election learned early this morning that a software malfunction in the County’s Electronic Voting System has prevented voters from scanning their ballots. This should not discourage voters from voting at their voting precincts.

The Board has filed a Court Order extending the time to vote within Cambria County. No one should be turned away from the polls if they wish to cast their vote.

Cambria County Board of Elections took measures to have IT specialists called to review the software issue. There is a process in place for issues of this nature. All completed ballots will be accepted, secured, and counted by the Board of Elections. The County Board of Elections has express voting machines at precinct locations to continue to allow voting electronically, while still allowing hand ballots to be cast.

The County Board of Elections will continue to monitor this issue and take any necessary action to ensure that all voters have an opportunity to cast their ballots. We thank the community for their patience and support while this issue is rectified. In summary, all votes will be counted and we continue to encourage everyone to vote.”

The Pennsylvania Department of State also released the following statement on X:

“The Department of State is in contact with county officials in Cambria County. Voters are continuing to vote by paper ballot, in accordance with normal operations, while the county resolves the issue with in-precinct scanning. We are working with the County to resolve this technical matter and remain committed to ensuring a free, fair, safe, and secure election.”