Election administration and voter access dominated the Sept. 9 meeting of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners as officials debated expanding ballot drop-box access, advanced efforts to fill election oversight positions and addressed lingering concerns following the county’s primary-election ballot error ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The discussion comes as county officials continue efforts to rebuild voter confidence after a mail-ballot mistake during the May 2026 primary election prompted new safeguards and increased scrutiny of election operations.

A lengthy debate centered on legislation to purchase five additional ballot drop boxes. Supporters said the boxes would provide voters with a secure and convenient alternative for returning mail ballots, particularly as concerns persist about mail delivery reliability.

Commissioner April Riddick, sponsor of the bill, defended the proposal, arguing that expanding voter access remains a priority and that residents should have multiple options for returning ballots.

Commissioner Ron Beitler said he generally supports the concept but expressed concern about implementing what he described as a “complicated and advanced system” under a tight timeline. Beitler also noted the heightened attention election administration issues could draw to Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District during the upcoming election cycle.

The drop-box proposal must still be reviewed by the Board of Elections before any final action is taken. Commissioners indicated the matter is expected to return for discussion at the board’s Sept. 23 meeting.

The debate unfolded as Lehigh County continues to address the fallout from a mail-ballot error during the May 2026 primary election. County officials acknowledged that an outdated 2025 voter list was mistakenly used when preparing mail ballots, resulting in thousands of voters receiving incorrect or potentially invalid ballots. The error affected voters who had moved, changed party affiliation or experienced other registration changes since the previous year.

Election officials issued replacement ballots, notified affected voters and later implemented new data-handling procedures and safeguards designed to prevent outdated voter files from being used in future elections.

Commissioners also approved the creation of a working group that will develop an application process for residents interested in serving on the Election and Registration Commission. The measure received little discussion and was approved as part of the county’s ongoing effort to fill election-related appointments.

Election issues resurfaced during public comment, where several residents criticized Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel’s proposed 2027 budget. Among the concerns raised was a proposed $500,000 Clean Elections Fund that would use public money to match small campaign contributions.

Joseph Maher of Allentown questioned both the legality and necessity of the program, while Maria Alt of Upper Saucon Township objected to the initiative as well as two additional staff positions proposed by the administration.

In other business, commissioners unanimously approved an amended intergovernmental cooperation agreement establishing a regional youth detention center. The 8-0 vote on Bill 2026-38 formally added Delaware County to the partnership and clarified provisions involving bed allocations, board composition and operational details.

Commission Chair Geoff Brace said the regional approach provides a predictable long-term solution for juvenile detention needs while reducing reliance on private facilities.

The board also approved an agreement with the Pennsylvania Social Services Union, Local 668, creating a new Caseworker I classification for the Children and Youth Department. Officials said the entry-level position is intended to strengthen recruitment efforts and will have no impact on the county budget.

Commissioners additionally authorized the hiring of Kline & Specter P.C. to investigate potential legal claims involving the effects of social media on children.

Near the conclusion of the meeting, Commissioner Antonio Pineda again called for Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi’s resignation following recently filed felony charges in Northampton County. Pineda cited allegations that Cole-Borghi improperly accessed Bethlehem Police Department records while serving as a Right-to-Know officer.

During public comment, Mike O’Hare of West Bethlehem also criticized Cole-Borghi’s repeated absences from board meetings, saying residents in his district are not receiving adequate representation.

“I don’t know what you can do about it, but he should be here, or he should resign,” O’Hare said.