Pennsylvania's Top Election Official Discusses Midterm Preparations in NPR Interview
Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania's chief election official, discussed preparations for the 2026 midterm elections in an NPR interview published October 21, 2026. Dave Davies conducted the interview, which was heard on NPR's Fresh Air program. The story is titled "Why local officials are feeling on edge as election day approaches."
Schmidt is the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh Shapiro appointed him acting secretary on January 17, 2023, and he became secretary on June 29, 2023.
On October 14, the state Department of State posted on X about a virtual media update in which Schmidt discussed preparations for the Nov. 3 general election. Days later, the department said the deadline to apply for a mail ballot was one week away. Pennsylvania Department of State said applications must be submitted online or in person by 5 p.m. before that deadline.
Schmidt's work has drawn attention because of his role in the 2020 election. He was then a Republican city commissioner in Philadelphia. After Donald Trump lost Pennsylvania that year, Trump used Twitter to direct his anger at Schmidt, according to Spotlight PA.
NPR reported that Trump's insults put Schmidt in danger during the 2020 ballot count. In the interview, Schmidt discussed preparing for the 2026 midterms, according to NPR.
In 2022, Schmidt testified before the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. He told the panel about false claims that dead people had voted in Philadelphia. He also described threats he and his family received after Trump named him, according to 6ABC.
Schmidt was appointed to his current role after those events. The state's latest announcement about the general election, including the mail ballot deadline, is the most recent public update from his office.
