Judges

November 2

Republicans will top Democrats on ballot

The move comes because Pennsylvania now has a Republican governor.

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter
Jennifer Learn-Andes on Facebook   |   @TLJenLearnAndes on Twitter

Republican candidates will be listed before Democrats on the Nov. 8 election ballot because the state now has a Republican governor.

That means Stephen J. Urban’s name will appear first in the Luzerne County Council race because he was the highest Republican vote-getter in the primary. His name will be followed by the 10 other Republicans in the order of their vote results and then the 11 Democrats, three Libertarians, two Independents and one American Independent in the race.

All 28 names will appear on the same page, and voters may choose 11 from any party.

Dick Hughes will be the first candidate listed in the judicial race because he received the most Republican votes in May.

Judicial candidate Fred Pierantoni received the highest overall vote count in May – 23,995 -- but contenders Joe Sklarosky Jr. and Michael T. Vough also will be listed before him in that order on the ballot because they secured more Republican votes.

Lesa Gelb and Jennifer Rogers will be listed after Pierantoni, with Molly Hanlon Mirabito’s name appearing last. Voters may choose six candidates.

The placement is based on a “party of preference” law that must be followed, county Election Bureau Director Leonard Piazza said during Thursday’s Election Board meeting.

He stressed that election results in recent years have proven that ballot position doesn’t sway results. Stephen A. Urban, for example, received the most Democratic votes in May, even though his name appeared last on a ballot of 33 contenders.

In other business, Piazza said he forwarded a complaint to the district attorney about alleged politicking too close to a polling place in the May 17 primary.

County District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll said she forwarded the complaint to the state Attorney General’s Office for further investigation to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.

A temporary clerk hired by the county to work at Wilkes-Barre’s Kistler Elementary School polling location had submitted a written complaint to the county accusing Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton and Kingston Mayor Jim Haggerty of standing inside the building to interact with voters, shake hands and pass out literature. Leighton and Haggerty have denied the claim.

State election law prohibits campaigning within 10 feet of polls. Those convicted could face up to seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000.

Piazza said a new sign will be posted at all polling places on Nov. 8 reminding candidates and campaign workers of the 10-foot ban.

Another new sign will alert voters that tips for election workers are prohibited, he said.

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