Lehigh students urge council for on-campus polling place and improved voting access

The Northampton County Council convened on February 6, 2025, to address several pressing issues, with a significant focus on voter accessibility and infrastructure concerns.

The meeting began with a public comment period where a speaker highlighted challenges faced by voters in Pennsylvania, particularly regarding the registration process for those without a state driver's license. The speaker noted that the online system often rejects uploaded signatures, leading to cumbersome physical paperwork, which could deter voter participation. They emphasized the need for a polling place on the Lehigh University campus, as many other educational institutions in the state have such facilities. The speaker proposed that the Zillowner Arts Center could serve as a suitable location for both a polling place and early ballot drop-off sites.

Additionally, the speaker urged the council to consider implementing mobile voter outreach services, similar to a program recently adopted by Montgomery County. This initiative would involve county officials assisting voters directly with registration and ballot-related inquiries. The speaker framed these issues as a form of voter suppression, stressing the importance of addressing them to ensure fair access to voting in future elections.

Following the public comments, Council President McClure acknowledged the contributions of the younger attendees and expressed appreciation for their engagement in local governance. He then provided an update on the condition of the county garage, which has been under scrutiny due to safety concerns. McClure reported that maintenance efforts have been ongoing to prevent potential hazards, particularly after an incident where a structural failure damaged a sheriff's vehicle.

The council also discussed the possibility of adding a new precinct to accommodate growing populations, particularly in areas like Lehigh. This topic was referred to the community committee for further exploration, as it relates to census data and resource allocation.

In closing, the council members engaged in a dialogue about potential solutions to reduce long wait times at polling places, including the use of paper ballots during peak periods. The meeting underscored the council's commitment to improving voter access and addressing infrastructure challenges within the county. Further discussions and follow-up actions are expected in future meetings as the council continues to prioritize these critical issues.