Authorities Working To Ensure Election Safety, Fairness In Delco

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Authorities in Delaware County are prepared to ensure a safety and secure election day in the county.

First Assistant District Attorney Tanner Rouse said Friday extensive and collaborative efforts have been undertaken to ensure the safety and integrity of Delaware County’s 2020 election.

Rouse was joined by Criminal Investigation Division Chief James Nolan, President of the Delaware County Chiefs of Police Association Chief David Splain, Superintendent of the Park Police Scott Mahoney, Director of Delco Emergency Services Tim Boyce, Sheriff Jerry Sanders, Vice President of Delco FOP Lodge 27 Chris Eiserman, County Councilwoman Elaine Schaefer, Executive Director Howard Lazarus, as well as attorneys from the DA’s office involved in Election Protection efforts.

The message delivered by these officials to Delaware County residents was straightforward: law enforcement has been working hard to ensure that the election process is free from fraud, intimidation and other violations of law.

"It cannot be said often enough: the right to vote in a free and fair election is the foundation of our democracy," Rouse said. "For that reason, early in this election cycle our office began its effort to prepare for Election Day."

Rouse said while the DA’s office has historically had staff available to respond to questions on Election Day, this year because of the pandemic, as well as the national political climate, it was decided that it would be prudent to engage in a more comprehensive effort at education and mobilization.

The office worked with members of law enforcement throughout the county to anticipate the problems that may arise before, during or after Election Day, and then developed guidance on those issues. That guidance has been shared with the chiefs of every municipal police force in Delaware County, as well as with the Sheriff’s office, constables and the Park Police.

Rouse also emphasized that the preparations have been conducted free from any political interference, and have involved participants from every part of the political spectrum.

In addition to offering guidance, Rouse wanted to make clear that Delaware County law enforcement is prepared to respond quickly and forcefully on Election Day to any allegations of voter fraud or intimidation.

"We have assembled a team of Assistant District Attorneys and detectives to immediately investigate any claims of fraud or intimidation. Our office is focused on protecting the sanctity of every vote, while ensuring that voters feel safe and secure in exercising their Constitutional rights, and to avoid any appearance that any office has a political motivation in carrying its duties under the law," Rouse said.

Anyone who encounters a problem on Election Day is encouraged to call the District Attorney’s Office Election Day hotline at 610-891-4797.