Ballot Drop Box oversight
Summary
Council asked the Election Board to study adding drop boxes countywide and moving the Hazleton box back to City Hall. Supporters say it's about access for elderly, disabled, and working voters; opponents worry about cost and fraud and say elections belong to the Board of Elections, not council.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
New boxes would carry installation, maintenance, and security costs, though no specific figures were given.
Mail-in voters — especially elderly, disabled, and residents without easy transportation — gain more secure return options.
Critics argue taxpayers bear the cost and that the process bypasses the state legislature's role in election law.
Mentions & discussions (4)
County Council (Work) - Oct 27, 2026
Drop boxes at Penn Place, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton City Hall stay open until 8 p.m. through November 2, with the sheriff securing sites and free parking nearby — extra convenience before Election Day.
County Council - Sep 8, 2026
Council asked the Election Board to study adding drop boxes countywide and moving the Hazleton box back to City Hall. Supporters say it's about access for elderly, disabled, and working voters; opponents worry about cost and fraud and say elections belong to the Board of Elections, not council.
County Council - Aug 25, 2026
A draft resolution would ask the Board of Elections to study locations and security for additional ballot drop boxes. It split council sharply — Williams, Krushnowski and Smith backed it, while Lombardo and Haas dismissed it as a waste of time given mailboxes exist, and the manager noted the county doesn't control the decision. New drop boxes run about $12,000 each.
Board of Elections & Registration - May 6, 2026
The board was scheduled to appoint Audrey Serniak to the Ballot Drop Box Review Committee, which examines how the county's ballot drop boxes operate.
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