The Pennsylvania Department of State has decided to discontinue the recount for the U.S. Senate race following incumbent Sen. Bob Casey’s concession to Republican candidate Dave McCormick. This decision was communicated to county election officials via an email, which stated that any ongoing recounts could be halted at Casey’s request.
McCormick secured victory with a margin exceeding 16,000 votes, representing a slim 0.24%, a difference that research indicates is highly unlikely to change through a recount process. Pennsylvania law mandates an automatic recount for statewide races within a 0.5% margin, although candidates have the option to waive it. The recount had initially been announced on November 13 and was set to conclude next week.
Secretary of State Al Schmidt expressed gratitude to Pennsylvania’s election officials for their dedication and hard work throughout the election, emphasizing the thoroughness of ballot counting and the ongoing audits aimed at ensuring the integrity of every eligible vote cast during the November 5 election.
In summary, with Bob Casey conceding, the Pennsylvania election landscape for the Senate has officially settled, and the focus can shift towards future initiatives, ensuring the electorate’s voice is heard and promoting confidence in the election process. This situation highlights the importance of transparency and accuracy in elections, serving as a reminder of the vital role of electoral integrity in a democracy.