McDermott

McDermott

Council members want answers on tossed ballots

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<p>Urban</p>

Urban

<p>Griffith </p>

Griffith

Some Luzerne County Council members expressed outrage Thursday over the revelation that nine mail-in military election ballots had been opened and discarded.

As part of a still-ongoing investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office disclosed seven of the nine discarded ballots had been cast for presidential candidate Donald Trump. The contents of the remaining two are unknown because they had been “resealed inside their appropriate envelopes” by county elections staff prior to recovery by the FBI, it said.

The county election bureau also opened envelopes that must remain sealed by law until Election Day, it said.

Councilwoman LeeAnn McDermott said the disclosure was “shocking” and “disheartening” because it compromises public trust in the election process and mail-in voting, which has become a controversial topic this year.

Tampering with ballots is a federal offense, she said, adding the “book should be thrown at” anyone found guilty of discarding votes.

“This is absolutely terrible. I can’t believe somebody would actually do this,” McDermott said.

Council Vice Chairman Chris Perry said the discovery is “very concerning” and adds to the challenges preparing for a general election involving a new paper-trail voting system, high turnout and an expected influx of mail-in ballots.

He credited the administration for quickly reporting the matter to authorities when the discarded ballots were discovered by county Election Director Shelby Watchilla.

“Now we have to find out why it occurred and rectify it,” Perry said.

Councilman Matthew Vough said facts are still being gathered by investigators, but the initial report is “very disturbing.”

“I don’t care who you voted for or how many ballots were thrown out — it’s unacceptable,” Vough said. “Voting is the cornerstone of democracy, and even if it was one ballot thrown out, it’s a disgrace to our democratic process.”

Councilwoman Kendra Radle said the matter must be treated “very seriously,” whether the premature opening and subsequent discarding of ballots was malicious or accidental. Discarding nine ballots is “not a mistake that should be happening,” she said.

“Many have uncertainty about mail-in voting, and this adds fuel to the fire that mail-in voting cannot be trusted,” Radle said.

Councilman Stephen J. Urban said he has repeatedly pointed out lingering concerns with the June 2 primary and has serious reservations about preparations for the upcoming general.

“I hope they do a thorough and very deep investigation overall and address all concerns,” Urban said.

Urban said he is “not surprised” investigators have uncovered problems.

“This is just another black eye for Luzerne County, yet another management embarrassment,” he said.

Echoing Urban’s points, Councilman Walter Griffith said he has been arguing the election bureau is “not running effectively” for months.

Although council can’t get involved in day-to-day operations, Griffith said he will urge his colleagues to exercise their powers under the home rule charter to conduct investigations and hold the county manager accountable.

“Council members are the ones ultimately responsible to the electorate, and I am not going to take the blame for the executive branch not doing its job,” Griffith said.

Councilman Harry Haas said he also has raised complaints and concerns about mail-in voting that he has encountered or heard from voters.

“I want a full investigation. I’m glad they’re investigating this,” Haas said.

Council Chairman Tim McGinley said he has “grave concerns” about the findings.

“Some of the things identified in the report are very disconcerting,” McGinley said. “We must pursue all discrepancies highlighted in that report to make sure all procedures are followed for the upcoming election.”

Reach Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or on Twitter @TLJenLearnAndes.