Pennsylvania swing county to keep ballot drop boxes after controversy

SUMMARY

Luzerne County, a key battleground in Pennsylvania, will retain its ballot drop boxes for the upcoming election after a heated controversy. County Manager Romilda Crocamo had initially decided to eliminate the drop boxes, citing security concerns. However, after facing legal pressure from voting rights groups, she reversed her decision on Friday. Crocamo previously stated she couldn’t secure the boxes, but groups like In This Together NEPA sued, arguing she lacked the authority to remove them unilaterally. Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, Michelle Henry, weighed in, clarifying that the county's board of elections, not the county manager, had control over election policies, including drop box deployment. While Crocamo remains concerned about security and resource allocation, the county will move forward with drop boxes under video surveillance at two locations, with more awaiting approval. This decision could lead to serious voter security issues in the upcoming 2024 election.