A human error that led to thousands of incorrect mail-in ballots — and prompted new safeguards for handling election data — was the focus of a Lehigh County Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday, as Chief Clerk of Elections Michael Paston detailed both the mistake and steps to prevent it from happening again.

The board met Wednesday, June 10, where Paston was introduced and fielded questions about the recent mail-in ballot mix-up. Paston, who began the role May 4, said that within hours of starting the job, staff discovered that a 2025 mail-in ballot list had been used to send out 2026 primary ballots. As a result, 4,175 voters received ballots with incorrect barcoding tied to last year’s data. Paston said most affected voters were still on the 2026 list and eligible to vote. However, some cases — including party changes, address moves and deaths — required additional review alongside the barcoding issue.

Responding to commissioners’ questions, Paston stressed there were no concerns about double counting and said the election overall “went very well.”

Of the county’s 253,072 registered voters, 51,408 ballots were cast — just over 20% turnout — which Paston said is consistent with recent primary elections.

Commissioner Sarah Fevig asked what caused the error. Paston described it as human error. “It’s a bad mistake, but it’s a mistake, and it won’t happen again,” Paston said. “Anything relating to a closed election will be moved into files and not kept on desktops.”

Commissioner Sheila Alvarado added she was “very confident that all the votes were counted from anyone who wanted to participate and was eligible.” While several commissioners praised efforts to resolve the issue, some expressed frustration that they first learned of the problem through media reports rather than directly from county administration. They emphasized the need for improved internal communication going forward.

During public comment, several residents thanked Paston for his handling of the situation. Others spoke on a range of issues, including a proposed wealth tax and county interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under old business, several bills received second readings and were approved unanimously by the eight commissioners present. Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi was absent due to a family health emergency. Bill 2026-25 approved a sublease agreement with Sticky Pig LLC to continue food service at the Velodrome. Bill 2026-26 authorized use of state grant funds to extend an advanced degree stipend policy for juvenile probation employees. Bill 2026-27 approved an extension through Dec. 31, 2028, for the sale of property at 43-47 S. Seventh St. in Allentown to Urban Place Apartments LP. In new business, commissioners approved a change order request with Myco Mechanical Inc. for construction work at Cedarbrook Allentown Senior Care and Rehabilitation. Resolutions 2026-24 and 2026-25 approved professional services agreements with Essential Management Solutions LLC. One covers 911 funding and grant management consulting, while the other focuses on public safety communications and network planning. Commissioners also introduced two bills proposing amendments to the county’s Home Rule Charter: Bill 2026-28 would require two commissioners, rather than the board chair and another member, to serve on the Lehigh County Retirement Board. Bill 2026-29 would update public notice requirements to allow publication in one newspaper of general circulation, reflecting the county’s current media landscape. Both bills will be considered for second reading at the June 24 meeting. A third proposal — a “resign-to-run” measure requiring elected officials to step down if they seek another office — drew debate. Sponsor Commissioner Ron Beitler said the measure would ensure public offices are used to serve constituents rather than “as platforms to pursue the next office.” Commissioners Alvarado and Dan Hartzell opposed the bill, along with potential amendments that would allow candidacies during a final term year. Other commissioners raised concerns about limiting political advancement. Beitler ultimately withdrew the proposal. Before adjournment, Fevig reminded the public that the Finance Committee will meet at 6 p.m. June 17 at the Lehigh County Courthouse, 501 W. Hamilton St., Courtroom 1A, to discuss the Intangible Personal Property Tax. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and free parking will be available at a North Penn Street lot. The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom, with advance registration required for public comment. The Board of Commissioners will next meet at 7:30 p.m. June 24. Officials also encouraged residents to review meeting materials through the county’s new Diligent Community platform, accessible via the county website. The platform includes a meeting calendar and notification subscriptions. Beginning in July, all meeting documents will be available exclusively through the system. Feedback can be submitted to commissionersoffice@lehighcounty.org.