Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections Drop Boxes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge Westmoreland County to install secure ballot drop boxes
Summary
Multiple residents and county Democratic organizers asked the Board of Commissioners to install secure mail-in ballot drop boxes—citing mail delays, accessibility for seniors and workers, and lower per-ballot costs than paper ballots—and requested a public information campaign if boxes are approved.
Dozens of Westmoreland County residents on April 16 urged the Board of Commissioners to install secure mail-in ballot drop boxes across the county, saying the boxes would make voting more accessible for seniors, people with mobility or work constraints, and residents who live far from the courthouse.
"Drop boxes are a safe, secure, and commonsense way to make voting more accessible for the people of Westmoreland County," said Michelle McFall, chair of the Westmoreland County Democratic Committee, addressing the board during public comment. McFall and other speakers said drop boxes are used across Pennsylvania and in counties of all sizes.
Supporters presented petitions and comment cards during the meeting. Joann Garing said she would deliver a few hundred signatures urging the county to rescind its 287(g) agreement and to authorize ordinances that would restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity; she also urged adoption of drop boxes. Several residents recounted mail problems, including returned or missing items, to argue that postal delays make drop boxes a needed alternative.
Speakers emphasized convenience and equity. Bibiana Boerio read excerpts from about 50 cards collected by volunteers, including voters who travel for work or live an hour from the courthouse. Margie Zelenak and Eddy Confer described mail theft and reliability issues, and urged officials to pilot a single drop box on Pennsylvania Avenue behind the courthouse as a test site.
Advocates asked the commissioners to pair installation with a public information campaign so residents know where boxes are located and when they are available. They compared the cost of operating a drop box for ten days to the county's reported cost for paper ballots, arguing that boxes are less expensive per returned vote.
The board did not vote on drop boxes at the April 16 meeting. Several speakers requested a May 9 meeting with commissioners to discuss the proposal further.
