Delaware County Bans Poll Workers from Using Election Prediction Markets

Delaware County, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, has enacted a resolution prohibiting its poll workers from participating in election prediction markets. This decision, approved by the county's board of elections, amends the oath that poll workers take prior to elections to explicitly include this ban. Jim Allen, the Delaware County elections director, expressed strong opposition to prediction markets, stating, “I think they’re a pernicious, horrible factor and I don’t think elections should be bet on in one shape or form.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral process, asserting that poll workers should not have any financial stake in election outcomes.

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Prediction markets allow users to place financial bets on various outcomes, including elections. For instance, platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket enable users to speculate on events such as the results of gubernatorial races or control of the U.S. Senate. While Pennsylvania law already prohibits poll workers from betting on election results, the new resolution specifically addresses prediction markets, which have not faced similar legal scrutiny in the state.

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Jennifer Morrell, CEO of The Elections Group, noted that Delaware County's action is unprecedented among jurisdictions. She highlighted concerns that prediction markets could incentivize individuals to influence election outcomes rather than merely predict them. Morrell warned, “If we make votes become like a financial instrument, then it really degrades the character of those votes.” This sentiment reflects a broader apprehension about the commodification of elections and its potential impact on democracy.

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In response to these concerns, State Rep. Danilo Burgos has indicated plans to introduce legislation aimed at regulating prediction markets. Additionally, State Sen. Lindsey Williams has suggested measures to prevent public officials from using non-public information for personal gain through these markets. However, as of now, no formal legislation has been introduced.

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Allen acknowledged the evolving nature of rules surrounding prediction markets but reiterated the necessity of safeguarding the integrity of elections. He described the current landscape as a “Wild West” scenario, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues to maintain public confidence in electoral processes.

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While Delaware County has taken a definitive stance against prediction markets, there is no comprehensive data on whether other counties in Pennsylvania have implemented similar bans. The Pennsylvania Department of State has not clarified its position on the use of prediction markets by its staff, leaving a gap in understanding the broader regulatory environment.

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• “I think they’re a pernicious, horrible factor and I don’t think elections should be bet on in one shape or form,” — Jim Allen, Delaware County Elections Director

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• “If we make votes become like a financial instrument, then it really degrades the character of those votes,” — Jennifer Morrell, CEO of The Elections Group

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• “We have the Wild West out there on this front, and we need to do something to prevent it from seeping into the election process,” — Jim Allen, Delaware County Elections Director

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