Pennsylvania affirms the accuracy of 2024 unofficial results in post-election audits

The Pennsylvania Department of State (DOS) announced Monday it has completed two audits of 2024 general election ballots that confirm the accuracy of unofficial results.

“These audits are statistical proof that the reported general election results are accurate,” Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said in a statement. “…Thank you to the election workers across all 67 counties for once again delivering a free, fair, safe, and secure election in Pennsylvania.”

Every county in Pennsylvania was required to recount 2% or 2,000 of their ballots. According to the DOS, each county reported that the audits confirmed the accuracy of their results.

Another audit, known as a risk-limiting audit, was conducted statewide. Fifty-five randomly selected batches of ballots from 32 counties were tallied by hand. Ultimately, that meant 37,000 ballots.

According to Schmidt, the audit found six total discrepancies, each resulting in no more than a two-vote change. The Department of State said such errors are generally the result of human error when counting or unclear marks on ballots.

Unofficial results show that Republican President-elect Donald Trump received 50.37% of the vote, compared to Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris who got 48.66%. 

All statewide races for row offices were won by Republicans as well. Though the partisan makeup of the legislature, with Democrats narrowly controlling the state House and Republicans in a firm majority in the state Senate, remained the same.

Under the federal Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022, Pennsylvania’s electors for president have to be certified by Dec. 11. Counties had to certify their results and provide them to Schmidt’s office for review by Nov. 25.  

Next, Gov. Josh Shapiro certifies the results of the election by Dec. 11, by signing a “certificate of ascertainment.” Then the Electoral College meets in Harrisburg on Dec. 17 to vote for president and vice president