Officials in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania have announced that they will not be using drop boxes for the upcoming presidential election due to concerns about potential tampering. Drop boxes are commonly used in several states as a means for voters to submit their mail-in ballots securely. However, Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo expressed doubts about the security of these boxes and stated that she cannot guarantee their safety.
Crocamo emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and security of the community, particularly in the current political climate. She explained that the county lacks the resources to monitor and safeguard these drop boxes effectively. Additionally, Crocamo raised concerns about potential illegal activities such as individuals depositing multiple ballots into these boxes.
While video surveillance may seem like a solution, Crocamo cautioned that it is not foolproof when it comes to ensuring compliance with voting laws. The county recently faced issues with video surveillance during the April primary election when footage from a drop box became unavailable due to miscommunication.
Another factor contributing to this decision is the cost of insuring these drop boxes. According to Crocamo, there is a $10,000 insurance limit which exposes Luzerne County to significant financial risk if any incidents occur.
Luzerne County has previously utilized four drop boxes during elections, including one located at a facility for seniors called Wright Manor. However, after examining this particular box with the county’s chief solicitor, Crocamo discovered that it lacked proper oversight and was situated in an open vestibule accessible 24 hours a day without nearby personnel stationed.
The other two drop box locations at Misericordia University and Broad Street Exchange also posed security challenges as they remained accessible late into the evening. The fourth box is situated at Penn Place Building.
To provide an alternative option for mail-in voters, Crocamo stated that they can still submit their ballots directly at Suite 207 within Penn Place Building where the election bureau is located.
Denise Williams, Chairwoman of Luzerne County Board of Elections supported this decision along with Alyssa Fusaro who serves as vice chair on board expressing her satisfaction with this move by stating “I’m very happy.” Fusaro believes that due to concerns highlighted by Crocamo regarding security issues surrounding drop boxes; they will likely not be used in future elections beyond just this presidential election.
