ICYMI: Pennsylvanians should honor the hard work and dedication of election workers

Harrisburg, Pa. – In case you missed it, former Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker and Congressman Lou Barletta, have published a PennLive op-ed recognizing the hard work and effectiveness of Pennsylvania election workers. Schweiker and Barletta, co-chairs of RightCount’s operations in the Keystone State, noted that they “are proud of the work we accomplished to support the integrity of our elections.”

Pennsylvanians should honor the hard work and dedication of election workers
November 25, 2024

Election Day in Pennsylvania is always a formidable task, and this year was no exception. As leaders of RightCount, an organization dedicated to restoring faith in our election systems, we want to recognize the professionalism, hard work, and resilience of Pennsylvania’s election workers. Their dedication to transparency, accuracy, and integrity ensured that every eligible voter had the opportunity to make their voice heard. These individuals, from poll workers to election officials, played a critical role in safeguarding democracy, often facing intense challenges along the way.

RightCount was founded out of concern for the increasing distrust surrounding our elections. Our goal is to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has confidence in the integrity of the election process. Over recent years, election workers across the country have been targeted with rising threats, harassment, and false accusations. Here in Pennsylvania, some of these threats have been alarmingly personal and dangerous, aimed at undermining the credibility of those who work tirelessly to maintain a fair process. RightCount is committed to supporting these workers and showing that election integrity remains a priority for the people of Pennsylvania.

On Election Day, we were reminded of just how real the threats to our democracy can be. In Philadelphia, bomb threats targeted polling locations, aiming to intimidate voters and disrupt the process. But thanks to the swift actions of local election leaders and first responders, these polling places were quickly secured, voting resumed, and the rights of Pennsylvanians to participate in this election were upheld. The coordinated response not only ensured the safety of voters but also sent a clear message that such threats will not deter our commitment to democracy.

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At RightCount, we are proud of the work we accomplished to support the integrity of our elections. Through survey research, advertising and coalition building across the Commonwealth, we aimed to increase public trust in the electoral process. Our efforts focused on recruiting and mobilizing a coalition of civic leaders – veterans, small business owners, former election officers and even firefighters – to educate voters about the rigorous safeguards in place to ensure that every vote is counted accurately and securely. By engaging with Pennsylvanians on a personal level, we sought to bridge the gap between voters and the election systems that serve them.

But our work doesn’t end with Election Day. Moving forward, RightCount will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability in our elections. We believe that public trust in democracy is strengthened when people understand the care and dedication that go into every step of the process.

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Read the full op-ed, click here.

RightCount is a 501(c)(3) entity that conducts research and educates fellow citizens around election integrity issues. To learn more about RightCount’s mission in Pennsylvania and the steps it is taking to protect the integrity of the 2024 general election, please visit rightcount/org/Pennsylvania.

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