U.S. Election Assistance Commission Commends Delaware County Bureau of Elections for Comprehensive Election Security Practices

Delaware County, PA — The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the federal agency that certifies voting equipment, has issued a report commending Delaware County’s process for authenticating voting system software before and after each election.

EAC officials observed the County’s “hash testing” process, a best practice that exceeds the testing requirements mandated by state or federal laws. Hash testing verifies that the software on the County’s voting equipment exactly matches the version that was certified by the federal government. Delaware County was the first in Pennsylvania to adopt hash testing as an additional layer of verification to guard against undetected changes or malicious tampering, thereby bolstering transparency and public confidence.

“Over the past decade, skepticism about elections has grown nationally,” said Jim Allen, Director of the Delaware County Elections Department. “Hash testing is one way Delaware County addresses those concerns directly, showing our commitment to transparency, security, and public trust.”

Delaware County hash tests 100% of its central-count tabulation equipment and a random 5% of precinct scanners and ballot-marking devices — an uncommon step in Pennsylvania that adds another safeguard for voters.

“The Delaware County Bureau of Elections’ voting system, facility security, and counting center procedures during the review appear to be comprehensive and thoroughly followed,” the report states. “Therefore, the EAC can independently confirm that the software compared is equivalent to, and the hardware inspected is consistent with the Scope of Certification issued by the EAC.”

“We are grateful for the EAC’s input and independent confirmation,” said Delaware County Councilmember Christine Reuther. “This validation reinforces the confidence voters can have in our process and recognizes the dedication of our election staff. Oversight and collaboration are essential, and Delaware County welcomes both as part of our ongoing commitment to secure, transparent, and trustworthy elections.”

The report further recognized the leadership of Election Director Jim Allen and IT Liaison Rob Wright, noting their commitment to election security: “Delaware County is one of the only counties in Pennsylvania to perform hash verification on its voting system. When presented with this opportunity several months ago, they immediately recognized the value and opportunity a project like this was for their state, and their proactive engagement is recognized. The willingness to increase their hash verification sample size highlights their commitment to the security, accuracy, and integrity of their elections.”

Reminder: Upcoming Election Information for Delaware County Voters

Delaware County voters are reminded that Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 20, 2025.

The first batch of mail/absentee ballots (applications approved on or before Sept. 20) was mailed this week and should be in voters’ mailboxes by Sat., Oct. 4. Voters who apply now should expect to receive their ballots within 8 days.

Voting details:

• Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
• Completed mail/absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on November 4 (postmarks do not count).
• Secure ballot drop boxes will be available across the County, with locations and hours listed at DelcoPA.Gov/Vote.
• The Voter Service Center in Media is open weekdays 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays (until 7:00 p.m.) and Saturdays (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.). On Election Day, the center will be open from 7:00 a.m. until polls close.

The County’s Delco Votes! website also provides candidate lists, sample ballots, polling place information, ballot drop box locations, voter registration guidance, voter registration applications, and resources for military and overseas voters.

For questions, voters may call the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE (8683) during business hours, with expanded availability in the weeks leading up to Election Day.