US election voting chaos as software malfunction stops Americans casting ballots

The problem emerged early Tuesday morning, causing significant disruption to the voting process.

Some precincts have resorted to placing cast paper ballots in lock boxes for later scanning.

Others have reportedly asked voters to return later in the day once the machines are fixed. The Cambria County Board of Elections has taken swift action to address the situation.

Cambria County solicitor Ron Repak issued a statement addressing the issue.

He assured voters that they should not be discouraged from voting and confirmed that a court order had been filed to extend voting time in the county.

Repak stated: "The Cambria County Board of Election learned early this morning that a software malfunction in the Countys Electronic Voting System has prevented voters from scanning their ballots.

"This should not discourage voters from voting at their voting precincts. The Board has filed a Court Order extending the time to vote within Cambria County. No one should be turned away from the polls if they wish to cast their vote.

"Cambria County Board of Elections took measures to have IT specialists called to review the software issue. There is a process in place for issues of this nature. All completed ballots will be accepted, secured, and counted by the Board of Elections.

"The County Board of Elections has express voting machines at precinct locations to continue to allow voting electronically, while still allowing hand ballots to be cast.

"The County Board of Elections will continue to monitor this issue and take any necessary action to ensure that all voters have an opportunity to cast their ballots.

"We thank the community for their patience and support while this issue is rectified. In summary, all votes will be counted and we continue to encourage everyone to vote."

Similar issues have been reported in neighbouring Bedford County. Officials there have acknowledged voting machine problems and are working to resolve them.

In Bedford County, cast ballots are being kept in lock boxes until they can be properly tabulated. This measure ensures that all votes will be counted despite the technical difficulties.

Authorities in both Cambria and Bedford counties have emphasised their commitment to ensuring every vote is counted.

Voters are being encouraged to continue casting their ballots, with officials stressing that these technical issues will not prevent any votes from being recorded and counted.

Cambria County officials have reassured voters that all ballots will be counted despite the technical difficulties.