Lehigh University students urge council to address long voting lines and accessibility issues

In the dimly lit chambers of the Northampton County Council, a wave of passionate voices rose to address a pressing concern: the accessibility and efficiency of the electoral process. On February 6, 2025, students from Lehigh University gathered to share their firsthand experiences of long wait times and inadequate voting resources during the recent election, highlighting a critical issue that has sparked both frustration and determination among young voters.

Jack Ciavilella, vice president of the Lehigh College Democrats, opened the floor, emphasizing the need for the council to prioritize the health of the electoral system. He introduced fellow students who echoed his sentiments, each recounting their struggles at polling places like the Banana Factory and Broglen Middle School. Bailey Baker, another student leader, described her five-hour wait to vote, expressing concern that such delays violate the constitutional right to vote. “We should be able to simply vote and exercise that as it is our right,” she urged, calling for more voting machines and accessible early voting locations.

The stories shared were not just personal grievances; they painted a broader picture of systemic issues affecting voter turnout. Anna Sullivan, who waited three hours to cast her ballot, noted that many voters left the lines due to time constraints, a reality that should not exist in a democratic society. “This should not happen,” she insisted, advocating for increased resources to ensure that every voice can be heard without undue hardship.

As the meeting progressed, the students’ testimonies revealed a troubling trend: the long lines and malfunctioning machines had garnered national attention, with reports highlighting the chaos in Bethlehem. Kabir Gupta, a resident of Easton and a Lehigh student, expressed disappointment that his community was portrayed in such a negative light. “I hope that our city and our county would show up in national news under better context,” he said, urging the council to take action to improve the voting experience.

Tommy Parisi, another student, went further, labeling the situation as voter suppression. He articulated how the long waits and malfunctioning equipment disincentivized participation in the electoral process, a sentiment that resonated deeply with his peers. “Egregiously long lines and failing voting machines are things that disincentivize voting,” he stated, underscoring the urgency for reform.

The meeting concluded with a collective call to action, as students urged the council to implement changes that would enhance the voting experience for all residents. Their passionate pleas highlighted a crucial intersection of youth engagement and civic responsibility, leaving the council with a clear message: the time for change is now. As the echoes of their voices faded, the hope for a more accessible electoral process lingered in the air, a reminder of the power of collective action in shaping the future of democracy.