Dallas City News

Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo issued a statement Monday disputing chatter that the election bureau is behind in processing thousands of Nov. 5 general election voter registration applications.

”Recent rumors regarding the processing of voter registration applications in Luzerne County have circulated, suggesting that the county is experiencing gross inefficiencies and delays,” the statement said. “We want to clarify that these claims are not only unfounded but also misrepresent the diligent efforts of our election officials.”

Crocamo said the final acceptance of voter registrations requires verification of Department of Transportation and Social Security Administration data, in compliance with the Help America Vote Act.

According to the state, the registration application requires voters to provide the last four digits of their social security number or the number on their PA driver’s license or PennDOT ID card. County Election Director Emily Cook has said the submitted information is checked through state databases, and an application would be flagged and not approved if the data fails to match up.

“As such, the county has no control over the timing and processes involved in this finalization phase,” Crocamo wrote. “We urge the public to rely on verified information and to refrain from spreading rumors that could undermine trust in our electoral process.”

Crocamo reiterated the election bureau is “committed to ensuring that all voter registration applications are processed efficiently and accurately” and has been “working tirelessly to manage the voter registration processing in accordance with all applicable regulations.”

“We are proud to report that the processing of all applications is proceeding with efficiency to ensure all applications are processed ahead of the Oct. 21, 2024 deadline,” she wrote.

County Election Board Vice Chairwoman Alyssa Fusaro said Monday that she also has heard the rumors of unprocessed registrations and said she immediately submitted a request for information on Sept. 12. Fusaro also said bureau leadership was copied on an Aug. 14 email seeking a status update on registration processing.

“I, myself, am trying to dispel many of these rumors, but it doesn’t help when my emails requesting the information in order to do so go unanswered,” Fusaro wrote in reply to Crocamo’s statement Monday.

Crocamo replied back to Fusaro:

“I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your assurance regarding the recent rumors, and that you are not a part of them. Your transparency is greatly appreciated, and it helps to maintain trust with the board,” Crocamo wrote.

“I also want to acknowledge the responsiveness of both the administration and the bureau to all emails. We are actively engaged, even though accurate responses may take some time to ensure they are well-considered,” Crocamo wrote, noting any responses or information shared with the public from her staff must be approved by her before disclosure.

Registration count

The latest state update on voter registrations released Monday said Luzerne County has 202,677 registered voters, which is an increase of 278 from the total count released two weeks ago.

County Republican leaders have predicted the county voter registration majority will soon switch from blue to red.

Two weeks ago, the county had 87,179 Democrats and 86,839 Republicans — a difference of 340.

Monday’s update said that gap between the two bodies has now been reduced to 233, with 87,237 Democrats and 87,004 Republicans.

That means Republicans have picked up 165 voters in the last two weeks, while Democrats added 58 voters to their count.

In addition, there are now 28,436 voters not registered as Republicans or Democrats, with most choosing no affiliation. That’s an increase of 55 compared to two weeks ago.

As noted, Oct. 21 is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5 general election.

Reach Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or on Twitter @TLJenLearnAndes.