The certification of April 23 primary election results in Luzerne County, which was supposed to happen on Monday, will be delayed due to court challenges, as announced by county Manager Romilda Crocamo.
Challenges are pending in the race for the Republican nomination for state representative in the 117th Legislative District. Jamie Walsh is currently ahead of incumbent Michael Cabell by three votes.
Crocamo explained that certification is the official confirmation and declaration of the election results, which involves the county's five-citizen Election Board affirming the accuracy and legitimacy of the votes cast.
She emphasized that it is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and upholding democratic principles.
Because some provisional ballots are still being legally disputed, the certification will be postponed until the related judicial proceedings are concluded, Crocamo stated.
Crocamo reassured that efforts are being made to resolve the matter as soon as possible and emphasized that the delay does not suggest any irregularities or misconduct in the electoral process.
She highlighted that the county's main goal is to ensure a fair and transparent outcome for all involved parties.
Crocamo pledged to provide regular public updates on the progress of the judicial proceedings and the expected timeline for the election certification, encouraging residents to stay informed through official channels and county announcements.
She expressed gratitude for the citizens' patience and understanding, emphasizing the importance of following necessary procedures to uphold justice and the will of the voters.
Cabell's appeal regarding the tallying of provisional ballots, the rejection of another, and write-in votes is scheduled for a court hearing at 2 p.m. today in the county Court of Common Pleas.
The Lake Township provisional ballot that Cabell is seeking to reject is part of a batch of 13 provisional ballots in the 117th District that have not yet been opened for tallying due to ongoing challenges.
Cabell is arguing that the provisional ballot from Timothy J. Wagner in Lake Township should be disqualified because it is missing one of two voter signatures on the outer provisional envelope.
There are differing court opinions on whether such ballots can be accepted. The election board unanimously dismissed Cabell's challenge, leading him to appeal to county court.
Even if a court ruling occurs today, the ballots would need further review and tallying by the board before the paperwork can be signed and the certification can take place after a five-day waiting period, Crocamo explained.
Paper provisional ballots are submitted at polling places on election day, and their review by the election board happens last to verify voter eligibility and prevent double voting after mail ballots are processed.
The validation is important for the county’s new, seven-person government study commission. According to state law, the commission needs to have its initial public meeting for organization as soon as possible, and at the latest within 15 days after the certification of the election.
In the primary election, the county's voters chose to create a study commission and picked the seven members.
