Lawrence County Board of Elections certifies May 20 primary; 15,272 ballots counted

The Lawrence County Board of Elections on Monday, June 9, 2025, formally certified the results of the May 20 primary election after county election officials told the board that all ballots were counted.

The certification, adopted as Resolution 2025-4 pursuant to the Pennsylvania Election Code, affirms that 15,272 ballots were cast in the contest: 11,231 were election-day votes, 4,028 were mail-in ballots and 13 provisional ballots were counted, Elections Director Tim Germaini told the board. The county reported a voter turnout of 26.72% for the primary.

Resolution 2025-4, read into the record by a board member, states: "Pursuant to the Pennsylvania election code, the Lawrence County Board of Elections is required to certify the results of the primary election, which was held on 05/20/2025. . . . Therefore be it resolved that the Lawrence County Board of Elections does hereby certify the results of the general primary election which was held on May 20 of 2025." The board approved the resolution by roll call: Commissioner Saenato, Commissioner Kennedy and Commissioner Vogler all voted yes. The motion carried and the results were certified.

Board members and staff praised the election office for how the election was conducted. "The election was, really good. Really good," Tim Germaini said, describing the counting and reporting process. Members noted the county finished with a higher turnout percentage than most other counties in the state.

Board members described routine procedures used during the canvass, including the handling of ties. Germaini said tie-breaking was performed by drawing numbers from a box when necessary; the county offers candidates the opportunity to be present for tie-breaking but proceeds if they are not present.

Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, Judge Cox and Judge Hodge, were present in the office on election night to observe procedures, board members noted. The board also confirmed that minutes from the previous recessed meeting (held the Monday before election day) will be bundled with the minutes from this reconvened meeting.

A public commenter, who identified himself as the chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party, praised the election staff. "You just do the the greatest job I've ever seen," the commenter said, adding that those who criticize the process have "no idea how good it is." The board made the meeting packet available for pickup and then adjourned.

The certification completes the county's formal canvass obligations under state law and makes the primary results official for Lawrence County.