Delaware County Posts Highest Municipal Turnout in Decades, Ranking Seventh Statewide in Participation

Delaware County delivered one of Pennsylvania’s strongest Election Day performances this month, posting its highest municipal-year turnout in at least a quarter century while delivering a secure, transparent, and efficiently run election.

More than 186,000 voters cast ballots in the November 4 Municipal Election — a 45.6% turnout among approximately 409,000 registered voters. It is the County’s highest municipal turnout since at least 2000, and likely longer.

Statewide comparisons show Delaware County ranked seventh-highest in turnout among all 67 counties.

Director of Elections James Allen said the countywide effort reflected months of thorough preparation and the dedication of hundreds of more than 2,000 election workers from every community in the county. “This was one of the smoothest municipal elections we’ve ever administered,” Allen said. “Turnout was exceptionally strong, our poll workers performed extremely well, and the entire operation moved efficiently through every stage of the process. It’s a testament to how seriously Delaware County takes election integrity.”

More than three-quarters of all ballots were cast in person at the polls. Turnout was steady throughout the day, and poll workers — serving from before sunrise to late evening — ensured that precincts ran without major issues.

Election night reporting also ran efficiently. Most precincts had results posted by midnight, and mail ballot counting concluded by 5:00 a.m. The Voter Registration team processed electronic poll book data faster than ever before, marking a notable improvement in post-election workflow.

This week, the bipartisan Return Board — the group responsible for reviewing precinct records, reconciling voter check-ins with ballots cast, and ensuring the accuracy of Election Day documentation — completed its work in record time and began the required hand-recount audit.

Director Allen noted that several local races remain extremely close as of Nov. 13 — including a School Board contest in Springfield that may head to a recount — underscoring how decisive individual votes can be in municipal elections.

“This election was a real demonstration of civic commitment,” Councilmember Christine Reuther said. “Voters showed up in remarkable numbers, and our election staff met that challenge with steady hands and meticulous work. I want to especially thank Director Allen for his leadership — the same leadership recognized earlier this year by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission for Delaware County’s commitment to strong, voter-focused administration. It’s yet another reminder of why our elections are so widely respected.”

Delaware County staff also provided regional support this week, sending team members to assist Chester County as it processed thousands of provisional ballots — a gesture that election administrators in both counties described as an example of cooperative public service.

With audits underway and several close races advancing through their required procedures, officials say Delaware County’s election operations continue to demonstrate the integrity, accuracy, and public trust that have become hallmarks of the County’s election system.

For election results — along with news, voter registration information, and updates — visit the Delco Votes! website at DelcoPA.gov/Vote.