Investigation Launched into Alleged Ballot Tampering in West Scranton
Authorities in Lackawanna County are delving into reports of possible paper ballot manipulation that surfaced at a voting station in West Scranton during the recent election. The allegations involve a judge of elections who reportedly altered ballots to include her own name under the candidacy for the judge position.
District Attorney Brian Gallagher is spearheading the investigation, which was triggered after it was discovered that the judge of elections had inscribed her name on the ballots. However, the corresponding circle next to her name was left unfilled, raising questions about the legality and ethics of the act.
“Writing the name on the ballot is ‘certainly inappropriate, and now we have a criminal investigation into that matter,’” stated Gallagher. “Clearly a violation. And hopefully we’ll get to the bottom of (that) very quickly and swiftly.”
As of now, the exact number of ballots affected remains undetermined. Gallagher mentioned that the investigation is ongoing to ascertain the full scope of the incident.
The issue was first brought to light via a Facebook post showing a ballot with the judge’s name. The post questioned the legality of the action, stating, “IS THIS LEGAL? This is how my ballet was handed to me. When I told the person that handed it to me and told her I didn’t write that name … in judge of election, she told me she was (the judge of elections and) she wrote it because she’s done the job for years but this year she didn’t register in time so she wrote herself in on the ballets (sic).”
Attempts to contact the individual behind the Facebook post have so far been unsuccessful.
In response to the allegations, the Lackawanna County Bureau of Elections has deferred all inquiries to the district attorney’s office, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the investigation. A statement from the bureau acknowledged the potential tampering and confirmed that the matter was referred to Gallagher’s office.
The Committee of Seventy, a Philadelphia-based good government organization, outlines the significant responsibilities of a judge of elections. According to their website, judges are tasked with ensuring the integrity of the polling process, admitting only qualified voters, preventing any form of fraud, and accurately tabulating votes. Additionally, they are responsible for opening and closing the polls and managing necessary documentation on Election Day.
