A Pennsylvania county eliminates ballot drop boxes, transforming the local election landscape.
At a Glance
- Luzerne County will no longer use ballot drop boxes for upcoming elections.
- County officials cite security and safety concerns as primary reasons.
- Voters are instructed to deliver their ballots directly to the county’s election bureau.
- The move aims to enhance election integrity and reliability.
Elimination of Ballot Drop Boxes
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, will no longer use mail-in ballot drop boxes in future elections. County Manager Romilda Crocamo identified issues such as unreliable security cameras, lack of supervision, and the potential for illegal mass ballot submissions as critical factors behind this decision. The county aims to address rising security concerns and ensure a more controlled and secure method of handling ballots.
Election officials, including County Council Chairman John Lombardo and election board chair Denise Williams, support this change. They argue that eliminating drop boxes will prevent potential illegal activities and ensure the integrity and reliability of the election process. As part of the new security measures, voters are encouraged to submit their ballots directly to the county’s election bureau.
Security Concerns and Political Climate
Romilda Crocamo pointed to multiple security concerns associated with the use of drop boxes, such as the inability to properly monitor them and the risk of tampering. Recent political tensions and heated election debates amplified these concerns. Ensuring adequate security, like having personnel guard the drop boxes during operation hours, is both challenging and costly.
Response from the Community and Officials
Some community members and officials believe this is a prudent step towards safeguarding the electoral process. “I feel County officials, Bureau and Board of Elections officials will sleep easier at night with those drop boxes eliminated from the election process,” said Nanticoke resident Ronald Knapp.
Despite the decision, there are concerns raised by voting rights advocates. They argue that this move could potentially affect voter turnout and make voting less accessible, particularly for communities of color. However, the county maintains that these steps are necessary to secure a fair and transparent election.
Implication and Future Outlook
While Luzerne County’s approach aims to enhance election integrity, it aligns with broader efforts by Pennsylvania Republicans to scrutinize and reform election processes across the state. A Republican-led state Senate committee has been collecting stories of alleged election improprieties since September 2021, focusing on the use of ballot drop boxes and other election procedures.
In March 2024, a state Senate committee approved a bill to ban election drop boxes and satellite election offices in Pennsylvania by a 7-4 party-line vote. Democrats opposed the bill, arguing that drop boxes provide a convenient and reliable method for submitting mail-in ballots.
