Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania election officials are bracing for conspiracy theories, protests

Published

1 year ago

October 13, 2024

Pennsylvania election officials are bracing for conspiracy theories, protests

Republican Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania’s top election official, has crisscrossed his state in a campaign to spread the gospel of election security, four years after former President Donald Trump disputed the ballot count.

The swing state, with its 19 electoral votes, is critical to the campaigns of both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. It’s also a state with a law that prevents the early processing of mail-in ballots, which dragged out the state’s count in 2020. The anticipated lag this year has election officials bracing for conspiracy theories, protests and violence.

“That window of time between the polls closing and races being called, I think, has shown to be a real vulnerability, where people seeking to undermine confidence in those results if they’re going to lose have really exploited,” Schmidt said.

Pennsylvania’s mail-in ballot process

Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania can only begin processing mail-in ballots on the morning of Election Day.

It took four days to call the election in Pennsylvania in 2020. As those days passed, leaving the 2020 election results hanging in the balance, all eyes were on the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Police and protesters were outside while Schmidt and his fellow members of the Board of Elections oversaw the counting of a record 375,000 mail-in ballots, most of them from Democratic voters.

“When you have half of your voters vote by mail, like we did in 2020, counting those votes takes time,” Schmidt said.

At a ballot intake center in Chester County, elections administrator Karen Barsoum showed the two different envelopes each mail-in ballot arrives in.

“So, hypothetically speaking, if we have 100,000 mail-in ballots, we have to deal with double the amount of the envelopes, which is a long process,” Barsoum said.

Then the ballot comes out and it needs to be unfolded and flattened out to remove creases. In all, it takes several minutes to process each mail-in ballot.

Conspiracy theories take off

Hours after the polls closed in 2020, then President Trump demanded the counting stop. Schmidt happened to be passing by a TV and heard Trump’s speech.

“We don’t want them to find any ballots at 4 o’clock in the morning and add them to the list, OK?” Trump said at the time.

Schmidt brought together his communications team so they could reassure voters that the count would continue. Allegations of fraud spread as the mail-in ballots were counted.

“That’s when you start hearing about truckloads of ballots. And that’s when you start hearing about, you know, zombie voters,” Schmidt said. “That’s when all this other stuff really starts pouring in.”

At the end of Pennsylvania’s days-long count, the state was called for Joe Biden and, with that, he won the White House. But Trump continues to say that he won Pennsylvania in both 2016 — when he won by about 44,000 votes — and in 2020, when he lost by about 80,000 votes.

“I understand that he’s a sore loser,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said. “I understand that he wished he would have won in 2020. But attacking this system made up of our neighbors from communities all across Pennsylvania, Republican and Democrat alike, is not the answer.”

Calls for reform, patience and faith

In the wake of those four days in 2020, there were widespread calls to bring Pennsylvania in line with the majority of other states, where election workers get a head start on opening envelopes and flattening mail-in ballots ahead of Election Day.

“Pennsylvania’s unique in that we have a divided legislature. We have a Democratic House and a Republican Senate,” Schmidt said. “So getting anything done related to election reform has certainly been a challenge.”

He has urged people to be patient with Pennsylvania.

“Our counties are working night and day to count their voters’ votes,” Schmidt said. “They’re doing so as quickly as they can, and with integrity.”

In the leadup to Election Day, Schmidt is doing everything he can to take on the fears Trump continues to spread about Pennsylvania and to assure residents their votes will count.

“Elections in Pennsylvania have never been more safe and secure with a voter verified paper ballot record of every vote that’s cast, whether you vote in person on Election Day or you vote by mail,” Schmidt said.

Shapiro appointed Schmidt, who previously worked for a decade on Philadelphia’s Board of Elections, to the role of secretary of state last year. The governor was succinct when asked what Schmidt’s marching orders were.

“Do your job,” Shapiro said he told Schmidt. “Make it so legal, eligible voters have access to the ballot box and that we again have a free and fair, safe and secure election.”

Schmidt is now visiting each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties and meeting with voters. At a fair in deep red Columbia County, Schmidt spent more than 35 minutes trying to convince local Republicans that they can trust the voting system.

“Everything is on the line”

A recent poll found around a third of Americans – and nearly 70% of Republicans – still believe Biden didn’t legitimately win the 2020 election. Trump has refused to commit to accepting the results if he loses in November. If that happens, it could cause violence in the state, Shapiro said. It could also mean election officials face threats from Trump supporters.

“Am I worried about that? Am I concerned about that? Of course I am,” Shapiro said.

Schmidt was threatened by Trump supporters after the 2020 vote when Trump called him out by name in a Twitter post.

“There were threats early on that were pretty generic in nature,” Schmidt said. “As days went on, they became a lot more specific.”

Those threatening him put out his address and graphically described what they would do to his family, Schmidt said. A picture of his home was shared and his children’s names were listed repeatedly. Schmidt temporarily moved his family for their safety. There was round-the-clock security for months.

Still, Schmidt is sticking with his job.

“Everything is on the line,” he said. “Our entire system of government, our country as it was founded, is on the line.”

Cecilia Vega

Cecilia Vega is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and “60 Minutes” correspondent who joined the CBS newsmagazine in 2023.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Lottery Pick 2 Day, Pick 2 Evening results for Dec. 28, 2025

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Pick 2 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Day: 4-0, Wild: 1

Evening: 3-2, Wild: 3

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Day: 5-0-2, Wild: 1

Evening: 4-2-2, Wild: 3

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Day: 3-7-8-3, Wild: 1

Evening: 4-9-2-2, Wild: 3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Day: 8-3-3-5-3, Wild: 1

Evening: 5-7-4-1-7, Wild: 3

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

09-15-24-34-53, Cash Ball: 04

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

04-06-18-20-31

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

04-05-10-26-28

Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

07-08-16-18-27-37

Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.

When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Pennsylvania

Winter weather advisory for part of Pennsylvania for Monday and Tuesday – possibly 4 inches of snow

Published

6 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

Winter weather advisory for part of Pennsylvania for Monday and Tuesday – possibly 4 inches of snow

A winter weather advisory was released by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 1:32 p.m. valid from Monday 1 p.m. until Tuesday 1 p.m. for Elk, Clearfield, Cambria and Somerset counties.

The weather service says, “Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches with locally higher amounts possible on the tallest ridges. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph in the Laurel Highlands.”

“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage,” explains the weather service. “Slow down and use caution while traveling.”

Mastering winter roads: Guidance from the weather service for safe winter travel

Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter weather driving tips:

Share your travel plans:

When venturing out of town in hazardous winter weather, be sure to inform family or friends of your destination, your intended route, and your estimated arrival time.

Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies, including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

Stay calm when stranded:

If you become stranded, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers.

Be aware of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and allow them ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the weather service, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball, Pick 2 Day results for Dec. 27, 2025

Published

7 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

05-20-34-39-62, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 2 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Day: 3-3, Wild: 1

Evening: 9-4, Wild: 3

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Day: 2-6-4, Wild: 1

Evening: 0-6-5, Wild: 3

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Day: 0-4-0-6, Wild: 1

Evening: 9-8-8-0, Wild: 3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Day: 9-5-5-2-7, Wild: 1

Evening: 1-8-5-0-0, Wild: 3

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

10-12-21-22-35, Cash Ball: 04

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

07-10-15-17-36

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

01-06-09-15-28

Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

11-16-22-24-34-44

Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

13-22-33-61-62, Powerball: 20

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.

When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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