LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Changes are coming to the way some voters cast their mail-in ballots this November election. There will be one less option in Luzerne County.
Luzerne County is getting rid of mail-in ballot drop boxes this November election. The decision is due to security and safety concerns.
The days are now over for voters to cast a mail-in ballot into a drop box in Luzerne County.
"In all actuality I am elated," said Nanticoke resident Ronald Knapp.
Ronald Knapp plans on voting in a little more than five weeks at the polls on Election Day and feels getting rid of the ballot drop box is the right decision.
"I feel County officials, Bureau and Board of Elections officials will sleep easier at night with those drop boxes eliminated from the election process," Knapp added.
Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo says the decision to drop the drop box is for safety and security reasons.
"We cannot, meaning the county, secure those drop boxes," Crocamo explained.
Luzerne County had four drop box locations: The Hazelton Exchange building, Wright Manor, Misericordia University, and Penn Place.
Crocamo says each has security cameras on sight, but ones that are not reliable.
During a heated political climate, she says they cannot take the risk.
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"If doors are open and people have 24 access and there's no one there a lot can happen and a lot has been happening," Crocamo continued.
Having someone on guard during hours of operation is tough too. That includes two sheriffs who would be at each location to retrieve the ballots.
Eliminating that role also saves money.
"To me, the integrity cannot be assured 100%," said Richard Yale from Glenlyon.
Yale, along with Knapp, feel this could help prohibit any potential illegal activity when depositing the ballot.
"Integrity in the election process is very important this November 5," Knapp said.
Crocamo is encouraging voters to drop off their ballots directly at the Election Bureau, where workers can monitor them.
She also clarified during Wednesday's meeting that voter registrations are being processed efficiently.
They can take as quickly as two days or two months.
