Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued an election-eve assurance to voters on Monday, saying ballots will be counted regardless of whether voters cast them by mail or in person. Shapiro’s statement comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the November 3 midterm elections and concerns about potential challenges to election results.
The Democratic governor urged eligible Pennsylvanians to make a plan to vote and said the outcome would be determined by the will of the electorate.
Shapiro’s full X post reads:
“REMINDER: Tomorrow is Election Day.
No matter what nonsense you hear from the President, I want every eligible Pennsylvania voter to know that your vote will be counted whether you voted by mail or in person — and the will of the people will be respected here in our Commonwealth.
Make your plan to vote here: http://vote.pa.gov“
10:12 AM · Nov 2, 2026
Shapiro’s statement emphasizes the administration of elections in Pennsylvania, including the counting of mail-in and in-person ballots. Pennsylvania’s election system is administered by county election offices under state law, with the state Department of State providing guidance and oversight.
The governor’s assurance is consistent with his public position on election integrity and the importance of accurately counting votes. The Pennsylvania Department of State has stated that election officials prioritize accuracy and security, and that some results may not be known on election night.
Shapiro’s comments also reflect his history of opposing efforts to challenge Pennsylvania’s 2020 election results. At the time, he was the state’s attorney general and defended the counting of ballots against numerous legal challenges.
In a November 1 interview with CBS, Shapiro said that Trump and his allies had attempted to undermine the vote count in Pennsylvania after the 2020 election. He said lawsuits seeking to discard ballots had been brought against him and his office.
Shapiro’s warning about Trump’s “nonsense” is directed at voters who may hear claims questioning the legitimacy of the election or the counting process. His statement does not identify a particular claim made by Trump on November 2, but it reflects the governor’s broader opposition to efforts to undermine confidence in election administration.
The governor’s post also includes a direct call to turnout. By urging voters to make a plan and providing Pennsylvania’s official voting information website, Shapiro is encouraging participation rather than merely commenting on election procedures.
Election integrity is a significant issue nationally ahead of the midterms. Reuters reported that election officials were preparing for disputes over eligibility, counting and certification, while strengthening security and public outreach.
Shapiro’s position is that Pennsylvania’s election process should proceed under state law and that ballots should be counted accurately, regardless of the political claims surrounding the election. His statement emphasizes that the state’s election administration should reflect the votes cast by eligible citizens.
The governor’s November 2 message is particularly significant because Pennsylvania is a competitive state with several consequential federal and state races. Its election results could influence the balance of power in Congress and the broader political direction of the country.
Shapiro’s latest post builds on his documented record as attorney general and governor defending Pennsylvania’s election procedures. His message is a call for voters to participate while reassuring them that their ballots will be counted.