Three residents of a northeastern Pennsylvania county are taking legal action to challenge a local official’s decision to disallow the use of drop boxes for mail-in ballots. The lawsuit, filed in Luzerne County, contests county manager Romilda Crocamo’s unilateral announcement that all four drop boxes would not be deployed for the upcoming election on November 5th.
The residents argue that Crocamo exceeded her authority by citing safety and security concerns as the rationale for eliminating drop boxes, which are crucial for voters who opt for mail-in and absentee balloting. The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration had previously approved the deployment of four drop boxes for past elections, thereby rejecting a proposal to abolish them in February.
The lawsuit alleges that Crocamo’s actions violate state election law and pose a threat to voting rights in Luzerne County, potentially causing irreparable harm. The plaintiffs are seeking intervention from a county judge to prevent Crocamo from enforcing her directive. Requests for comments from Crocamo and board members of the Elections and Registration Board, also named as defendants, were not immediately returned.
Legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Witold Walczak, condemned Crocamo’s decision as an overreach that circumvents the board of elections’ authority to provide voters with a safe and convenient means to cast their votes by mail. The plaintiffs, along with the civic group In This Together NEPA Inc., highlight that there have been no documented cases of abuse or fraud related to drop boxes in Luzerne County, which have been under surveillance by cameras.
Reports from The Times Leader of Wilkes-Barre indicate that Crocamo claims the prerogative to make such decisions falls within her duty to oversee personnel and safeguard county-owned properties. The controversy surrounding the use of drop boxes in Luzerne County underscores the ongoing legal battles over voting access and procedures as the election approaches.
This dispute serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring fair and secure voting practices, particularly amidst the evolving landscape of mail-in balloting and election administration. As the matter unfolds in Luzerne County, the outcome will likely have broader implications for electoral processes and safeguarding citizens’ right to vote.