2023 Election Certified By Chester County Board Of Elections

CHESTER COUNTY, PA —Chester County Board of Elections on Monday night certified the 2023 general election results, except for the recorder of deeds election.

The election certifications included five judgeships, three county commissioners, a district attorney, a sheriff, a prothonotary, local school boards, and municipal officials.

The recorder of deeds election was not certified following petitions filed by candidates objecting to the number of votes in several precincts. Republican Brian Yanovich ran against Diane Dwyer, a Democrat incumbent. A hearing is set for Friday in the Chester County Justice Center.

During the meeting on Monday, Karen Barsoum, director of elections, provided a detailed report of a review of the election process. Barsoum said the scanners used in the county to tabulate votes are certified by the Department of State.

The certification of the Chester County 2023 November election was delayed following a federal court ruling that allowed for canvassing and tabulation of mail-in ballots with missing or incorrect dates. County officials tabulated 266 Chester County mail-in ballots that were missing dates or incorrectly dated.

The board is made up of Judges Bret Binder and Analisa Sondergaard and Commissioner Michelle Kichline.

Binder said that this election involved some upgrades, including additional training for poll workers, new envelopes for mail-in ballots, and faster notification to voters if their ballots were rejected.
The voter turnout for Chester County was 42.6 percent, with 161,032 total ballots cast. There are 377,759 registered voters in Chester County.

Voters react to the election process

During a public comment session at Monday’s meeting, some residents questioned the voting procedures.
Diane Houser, a Uwchlan Township resident, suggested the county have a full forensic examination. She said she was aware of 18 voters who no longer lived in Uwchlan but voted there in the election.
“Our votes are sacred,” she said. “We are disenfranchised when the voters' addresses are questioned.”

Kathy Agnello, an East Goshen Township resident, said she voted but her vote was canceled.

“I got an email that said my vote was discontinued,” she said. “I am really upset.”

David Shumaker of East Goshen said he has observed many elections, and he was extremely impressed with the way the election was handled.

“I have great confidence in the integrity of our election,” he said. “I thank my election officials.”