Pa. State Secretary, PEMA Working With Multiple Agencies On Election Day Security Plans
HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- State Secretary Kathy Boockvar and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency are reviewing security and making preparations ahead of Election Day.
Part of those preparations includes meeting with Pennsylvania's three United States Attorneys, including Western District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney Scott Brady, and the Special Agents in Charge of the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia field offices.
"I want every Pennsylvanian to know that the dedication and integrity of election officials across the Commonwealth is simply unparalleled," said Boockvar.
PEMA's director says a secure platform has been in development for a while that will enable the state to respond quickly to any election-related issues.
"This year, we're going to use that platform," PEMA Director Randy Padfield said. "Obviously, our federal partners will have access to that; but like I said, there are stakeholder within the state that need to know that information. It's really going to be key."
Padfield says the state has also been working to ensure people are physically safe if they choose to vote "in person" on Election Day.
That includes stocking hand sanitizer and other supplies to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Department of State says the commonwealth is working with all 67 county boards of elections, the Pennsylvania National Guard, the Center for Internet Security and other partners to coordinate for Election Day.
The Department of State is also working to protect election systems, which are never connected to the internet or networks commonly targeted by hackers.
According to the FBI, voters should be aware of disinformation. Foreign actors are spreading inaccurate political information on social media to try and sway voters and undermine the election.
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