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Commissioners weigh security and convenience as League of Women Voters urges drop boxes; reporter stands by contested LNP quotation
Summary
At the May 13 meeting, Jill Craven of the League of Women Voters urged reinstating ballot drop boxes; Commissioners debated security and convenience. Separately, Commissioner Parsons questioned LNP reporter Tom Lisi about an article quoting Library System director Karla Trout; Lisi said he stands by his reporting after Trout denied speaking to him.
During public comment, Jill Craven of the League of Women Voters voiced support for mail-in ballot drop boxes in Lancaster County and expressed support for the Board's mental-health proclamation.
Commissioner Joshua G. Parsons recounted the county’s use of an outdoor drop box near the Sheriff’s station during the COVID period for voter convenience and said returning a ballot at a drop box is similar to entering the Board of Elections office. Commissioner Ray D'Agostino cautioned there is "no completely secure way to maintain a drop box" and emphasized the county's responsibility for secure, transparent elections. Commissioner Alice Yoder said she supports drop boxes and urged the Elections Office to consider ways to make ballot return more convenient while maintaining appropriate security checks.
Separately in the meeting, Commissioner Parsons questioned LNP reporter Tom Lisi about a published article in which Lisi indicated he had a direct quote from Karla Trout, Executive Director of the Library System. The minutes record that Trout denied speaking with Lisi; Lisi replied that he had not heard from Trout and "stands by his reporting." The transcript does not record any formal disciplinary or investigatory action related to the dispute at the meeting.
