LEBANON, Pa. — Lebanon County voters will see their ballot drop-off access return after the county commissioners voted to create a new drop-off system.
The Lebanon County Commissioners voted 2-1 to institute a new ballot drop-off zone in front of the Lebanon County Courthouse. Starting April 1, voters will be able to drive up to the drop-off zone and turn in their ballot to an election volunteer.
The commissioners initially voted to get rid of the county’s only mail ballot drop box back in February. Despite sitting in front of the Lebanon County Courthouse and being monitored by security cameras, Republican commissioners argued the drop box posed security risks.
Mike Kuhn, who voted to remove the drop box in February, believes the new system will tighten security and give the access voters are asking for.
“Removing the drop box was a huge disappointment for a lot of people who found it very convenient,” said Kuhn. “We looked at what other counties were doing and came up with a hybrid that we think is a reasonable compromise.”
Dozens of people packed into the Lebanon County Commissioner’s office for the vote on Thursday morning. A couple of people argued that the drop box is not needed.
“If they trusted the Post Office to get [their ballot] there, why not trust it to get it back,” asked one Lebanon County resident.
Those who favor having a drop box argue it makes casting a ballot more convenient and accessible for voters.
“My wife has a mobility problem,” said Duncan Maclean, who lives in South Lebanon Township. “If they removed the drop box and did nothing else, she would have to go up the steps, through security, walk down a long hallway, go up an elevator, and stand in line.”
The new drop-off system will be set up in time for the Pennsylvania Primary Election. The system will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday leading up to the election. On Election Day, ballots will be collected until the polls close at 8 p.m.
Democrat Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz said she would’ve preferred to keep the drop box. However, she believes having the ballot drop-off option back on the table is crucial for voters.
“You could be pregnant and have to go to the hospital on Election Day, and getting an emergency ballot can be a hassle,” said Litz. “It’s very important to people to have that option.”