Commissioners Sean Kertes and Doug Chew continue to block the use of ballot drop boxes. Why?
The reasons they cite, low utilization and cost, have been addressed in repeated public comments at commissioners’ meetings.
Consider the facts:
The cost of installing drop boxes at three secure locations would be less than $10,000. By contrast, paper ballots provided at precincts on Election Day in 2025 cost approximately $40,000, yet fewer than 4,000 were used — about 5% of total Election Day votes.
The commissioners already have approved continuing paper ballots for the 2026 primary at a cost of about $18,000; this expense is likely to continue in future elections.
The numbers speak for themselves, and advertising the availability of drop boxes could increase their use and decrease cost.
All voters deserve the ability to cast their ballots in a way that is safe, secure and convenient. Drop boxes meet that standard. They are monitored by security personnel and brought into secure storage nightly.
It is difficult to avoid the conclusion this decision is driven more by political considerations than by sound policy.
The commissioners know better. It’s time to do the right thing.
Edwinna Confer
Latrobe