Voter Integrity Advocates Demand End to Controversial Drop Boxes

During a recent government meeting in Lackawanna County, significant concerns were raised regarding the use of ballot drop boxes in elections. Several speakers voiced strong opposition to their continued presence, arguing that they compromise the integrity of the electoral process. Lorraine Cummings, a resident of Old Forge, emphasized the need to eliminate ballot boxes, advocating for a return to traditional voting methods, such as mailing ballots directly through the postal service. She expressed concerns about the costs associated with monitoring these drop boxes and questioned the legitimacy of the current voting system.

The discussion highlighted a broader sentiment among attendees who believe that the integrity of elections has been undermined. Many argued that the introduction of drop boxes was a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic and that their necessity has diminished now that the emergency has passed. Frank Scavo, another speaker, pointed out that Pennsylvania's Act 77, which expanded mail-in voting, did not originally include provisions for drop boxes, suggesting that their existence is not aligned with legislative intent.

Concerns about the chain of custody for ballots were also prevalent, with multiple speakers questioning who is responsible for collecting and counting the votes. Some attendees demanded transparency regarding the political affiliations of those involved in the ballot collection process, fearing potential biases in how votes are handled.

In contrast, supporters of the drop boxes, like resident Angelo Jarman, argued that they provide essential access to voting for individuals with disabilities and those facing time constraints. Jarman emphasized that the right to vote should not be compromised due to unfounded allegations of fraud, noting that there has been no successful legal challenge to election integrity since 2020.

The meeting underscored a deep divide within the community regarding voting practices, with calls for both increased security measures and greater accessibility. As the election cycle approaches, the debate over the future of ballot drop boxes in Lackawanna County remains contentious, reflecting broader national discussions about election integrity and access to voting.