Lancaster County approves $32,400 study of Election Commission space ahead of peak voting season

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners on April 28 approved a $32,400 agreement with Sinclair Hill Architects to conduct a space needs assessment for the county Election Commission aimed at identifying facility deficiencies and recommended changes before the next high-use election period.

Todd Wilchin, of the Lancaster County Election Commission, told commissioners the study is timed to start in July and run through November so the consultant can observe peak petition activity and election-day workflows. "The idea being at peak they do the study," Wilchin said, adding the work will include a site visit to Douglas County to review that county's post‑2024 responses to long lines and wait times.

The study, Wilchin said, is being pursued because of operational problems during the 2024 cycle, including extended voter wait times and parking shortages. "We had some voters wait hours to vote at early [voting]," he said, and said an independent assessment would help the county make informed decisions about space use going forward.

Commissioners voiced support for the planning step and approved the agreement by unanimous roll call. Acting Chair Rick Vest said the board has been supportive of efforts to make voting easier for residents and described the study as "vital work." Commissioner Matt Schulty and Commissioner Sean Flower Day also voted in favor.

The study's scope as described at the meeting includes evaluation of existing facility deficiencies, assessment of operational and security impacts, and development of recommendations for meeting future needs. Wilchin said the consultant has previously worked on the property and that starting the study in July will allow the firm to capture petition and early‑voting periods.

The next procedural step is implementation of the contract; commissioners approved the agreement at the meeting and did not schedule further debate on the item.