Luzerne County board rejects motion to remove ballot drop boxes after hours of public comment

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration voted 3–2 on Oct. 9 to reject a motion to eliminate all ballot drop boxes for the Nov. 5, 2024 general election, following hours of public comment and a sharp split among board members over security and voter access.

Board member John Morelli (motion sponsor) said he placed the motion on the agenda after security briefings in executive session and concerns about "outside influence," manpower and the board’s ability to meet Department of State recommendations. "I made the motion to eliminate all drop boxes in Luzerne County for the 2024 general election based upon security intelligence information provided to the board in executive session," he said during debate.

Opponents argued that established safeguards and existing county policy already address the risks raised. Mr. Schramm said the board had approved a 2022 resolution and accompanying security measures and warned that removing boxes minutes before ballots are widely in circulation would risk disenfranchising voters who rely on them. "Approximately 20% of mail‑ballot voters use the drop boxes," the chair told the room when explaining why she opposed elimination.

Public comment at the meeting was dominated by the drop‑box question. Supporters of retaining boxes included Brianna Ripka, voter services coordinator for the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania: "These drop boxes are essential for assuring that every voter has a secure and convenient way to cast their ballot," she said, and warned that removing them days before the election could lead to litigation and voter confusion. Beth Gilbert and other speakers cited the board's 2022 resolution and the allocation of surveillance, chain‑of‑custody procedures and sheriff‑deputy collections as evidence the system can be secured.

Those urging removal or stricter controls cited a revised 2023 Department of State guidance and examples of seal or chain‑of‑custody concerns. Speakers noted the absence of seals on some boxes, irregular collection intervals and the county’s limited ability to use some categories of the election‑integrity grant to pay for ongoing drop‑box security.

After debate, the board took a roll‑call vote: Mr. Schramm — No (opposed to elimination); Miss Fusaro — Yes; Mr. Morelli — Yes; Mr. Schlosser — No; Miss Williams — No. The motion failed, 2 in favor and 3 opposed, meaning the board did not adopt a countywide ban on drop boxes for this election. The chair said two secured sites (Penn Place and the Hazleton Exchange Building) were expected to remain in operation for this election because other previously planned locations could not meet fastening or security requirements.

The meeting record shows the board also discussed Department of Homeland Security reporting on national threats tied to drop boxes and state legal issues about the scope of drop‑box use; the board did not take further unilateral action to add or remove sites beyond the vote.