Luzerne County election board clears polling‑place change, backs budget and tightens public‑comment and Zoom rules

At its Oct. 9 meeting the Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration approved several administrative actions intended to stabilize election operations as the county approaches the Nov. 5 general election.

Polling‑site change: The board voted to approve the Oosterhout Free Library South Branch at 100 Parrish Street in Wilkes‑Barre as the polling place for Wards 19 and 20 after Dodson Elementary School became unavailable. Bureau staff said county buildings and grounds will install a ramp and platform to mitigate a six‑inch step and provide ADA access before the election.

Budget and grant details: The board reviewed the proposed 2025 bureau budget and related Election Integrity Grant (EIG) items. Mary Roselle, identified as the division head for budget and finance, explained that EIG funds are separate from the general‑fund budget and roll over across fiscal years; she described line items that include annual Dominion software fees, contracted printing and mail‑vendor fees, and training/consultant costs. Board members voted to express support for the bureau’s proposed 2025 budget, a procedural step that will accompany the bureau’s submission to county council.

Mail‑ballot curing: The board approved a new process to create a bipartisan list the day before elections of mail ballots flagged with deficiencies (missing signature, wrong signature, ID not verified, no date, etc.). Lists will be shared with party chairs or their designated representatives so voters have additional notice and time to cure defects, which staff said should reduce election‑day workload.

Public‑comment and Zoom rules: The board voted to require in‑person public‑comment slips (collecting name, municipality, or candidate/campaign represented) to help the clerk accurately capture speakers’ names in the minutes; the solicitor advised slips may be used but cannot be applied as a blanket restriction on who may speak. The board also voted to disable the Zoom Q&A application during meetings, citing it as a real‑time distraction; members acknowledged accessibility concerns for people who cannot speak and said the board will consider alternative accommodations and revisit the policy if needed.

Votes and roll calls were recorded in the meeting minutes for each action. Several board members underscored the need to balance operational clarity and legal compliance with the Sunshine Act while preserving reasonable public access and accommodations for voters and interested parties.