Pennsylvania Court Upholds State Control Over Voting Machine Security

The 6-1 ruling affirms the secretary of state's authority to block unauthorized third-party access to voting machines, ensuring statewide election integrity.

The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled 6-1 that the secretary of state can prevent counties from granting unauthorized third-party access to voting machines.
The court determined that counties risk decertification of their machines if they fail to comply with state directives, as seen in Fulton County's case.
The dispute arose after Fulton County allowed a third-party firm to inspect Dominion voting machines following unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
The court emphasized that the state’s authority ensures consistent and secure elections, balancing local and state responsibilities over election systems.
Fulton County’s machines were decertified, replaced, and impounded during the legal battle, with the Department of State welcoming the decision as a step toward safeguarding election integrity.