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Residents and county Democrats urge Westmoreland County to install ballot drop boxes and improve signage
Summary
Public commenters at the Westmoreland County Board of Elections meeting on April 14 urged the county to install secure ballot drop boxes and add clearer courthouse signage; speakers cited high mail-in ballot usage among seniors and asked commissioners for a public forum to explain election procedures.
Residents and local party leaders urged the Westmoreland County Board of Elections on April 14 to install secure ballot drop boxes and improve signage directing voters to the Election Bureau ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary.
At the board’s regular session in Greensburg, resident Bibiana Boerio of Unity Township praised Election Bureau staff for L&A testing of marking and scanning machines and for moving precincts, but asked commissioners to hold a public meeting or town hall to explain election procedures and build voter confidence. “It’s in everyone’s best interests to build justifiable confidence in your staff’s procedures and practices,” Boerio said. She also asked for clearer signage to direct voters to the Election Bureau’s lower entrance and for reinstatement of drop boxes.
Michelle Milan McFall, chairwoman of the Westmoreland County Democratic Party, said ballot drop boxes are a “commonsense, affordable, and secure solution” that would help ensure votes are counted. McFall noted that “26 percent” of voters cast ballots by mail in recent years and that nearly 40 percent of registered voters in the county are age 62 or older — a figure she said rises to 74 percent among mail-in voters — arguing that the changes would particularly aid seniors.
Margie Zelenak of Mt. Pleasant Township asked the board to add signage on Pennsylvania Avenue, at the lower park entrance, outside the elevators and at the main entrance to make it easier for first-time courthouse visitors to find the Election Bureau and drop off ballots. Zelenak added that had drop boxes been available, many voters would not need to enter the building.
The public comments preceded a set of administrative approvals by the board. Commissioner Douglas W. Chew said he agreed with the need for additional signage, and staff member Ross took notes to add the requested signs.
The meeting record shows the board did not adopt a motion specifically creating drop boxes at the April 14 session; public commenters said they will continue to press the board and requested a meeting to review proposals. The board did approve other election administration items and polling-place changes during the same meeting.
