Residents File Lawsuit Against Luzerne County Official
Three residents of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in response to County Manager Romilda Crocamo’s announcement that she plans to eliminate all four drop boxes used for mail-in and absentee ballots in the upcoming November 5 election. The residents argue that Crocamo lacks the authority to unilaterally make this decision, citing potential harm to voting rights.
Drop Boxes and Election Security Concerns
Crocamo’s decision to eliminate the drop boxes, which she attributed to “safety and security concerns,” has sparked controversy. Drop boxes provide voters with a secure way to submit their completed mail-in ballots without relying on the postal service. The lawsuit challenges Crocamo’s authority, stating that her actions contradict the Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration, which has previously approved the use of four drop boxes in recent elections.
Lawsuit Claims Violation of Election Law
The plaintiffs, including a nonprofit civic group, argue that Crocamo’s decision violates Pennsylvania state election law. They believe that eliminating the drop boxes will cause “irreparable harm” to voting rights in the county. The lawsuit seeks a court order to prevent Crocamo from implementing her plan to remove the drop boxes before the election.
Witold Walczak, legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, condemned Crocamo’s decision as an “end run around the board of elections,” calling on the court to quickly restore the drop boxes. He emphasized the importance of providing voters with safe and accessible options to vote by mail.
County Manager Responds to Lawsuit
Crocamo, who has not provided public comment due to the ongoing litigation, has defended her authority in managing county-owned properties and overseeing security. She believes that her decision falls within the scope of her duties as county manager. However, the plaintiffs argue that the drop boxes have been properly monitored by cameras, and no substantiated cases of abuse or fraud have been reported in Luzerne County.
