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Commissioner raises prospect of ballot drop boxes; public requests formal review
Summary
Commissioner McGonigle raised options for ballot drop boxes, saying they could help seniors and reduce Elections Office burden; a public commenter asked that research and decision reasons be brought to a public meeting.
At the Feb. 19 meeting Commissioner McGonigle said Mercer County does not currently use ballot drop boxes and discussed options for their potential use, telling the room "we need to strive to have all elections the same across the State." He noted drop boxes could help senior citizens avoid driving to the Elections Office and relieve pressure on staff.
During public comment Diane Syphrit asked that information and research on drop‑off boxes "be brought to a public meeting and the decision and reasons to have or not have the drop‑off boxes also discussed during a public meeting." The meeting minutes show the Commissioners did not take immediate action; any formal consideration would follow public discussion and potential staff research.
Elections Director Thad Hall was named in the meeting record and was cited by Commissioner McGonigle as part of the reason Mercer County's elections are secure; the minutes do not record a staff recommendation or an implementation plan for drop boxes.
