Election office plans for higher temporary staffing, eyes precinct consolidation after census

Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen told the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners on June 11 that his office expects to remain within the current-year budget but is budgeting for increased temporary staffing to handle anticipated statewide initiative petitions and signature verifications.

Wiltgen said temporary staffing — election board workers and petition verification staff — is the largest cost driver and that rising minimum wage requirements are increasing election-administration costs. He also noted that state law requires publication of election notices in newspapers, which contributes to advertising costs, and that postage expenses are expected to rise with postal-rate increases and continued early voting.

The commissioner said his office plans to evaluate precinct consolidation following the next census because some polling locations saw very low turnout, creating inefficiencies and recruitment challenges for election workers. Wiltgen also noted the budget includes funding for a Sinclair Hille Architects space-utilization study to assess current and future space needs; that study is expected to conclude by year-end.

Commissioners and county budget staff discussed how many election expenses are reimbursed by local jurisdictions after general elections and the variability of election-year costs depending on turnout and ballot measures.