Voters in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania will have one fewer option to cast their mail-in ballots this November, as county officials have decided to eliminate all ballot drop boxes. The move comes amid concerns over security and safety, according to Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo.
The decision to remove the drop boxes has been welcomed by some residents, like Nanticoke’s Ronald Knapp, who believes the change is necessary. “I feel County officials, Bureau and Board of Elections officials will sleep easier at night with those drop boxes eliminated from the election process,” Knapp said.
Previously, Luzerne County had four drop box locations at the Hazelton Exchange building, Wright Manor, Misericordia University, and Penn Place. Despite these locations having security cameras, Crocamo explained that the cameras are unreliable, and the risk of tampering in today’s charged political climate was too great.
She also pointed out that having personnel monitor the boxes during operation hours, including two sheriffs at each location, was both logistically difficult and costly. Eliminating the boxes not only saves money but, according to some residents, like Richard Yale from Glenlyon, it may reduce potential illegal activity. “Integrity in the election process is very important this November 5,” Knapp added.
Voters are now encouraged to drop off their ballots directly at the Election Bureau, where election workers can monitor them. Crocamo also reassured voters that voter registrations are being processed efficiently, with turnaround times ranging from two days to two months.
