The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners voted 7-1 Sept. 23 to approve funding for five additional ballot drop boxes, despite opposition from residents who raised concerns about implementation, training and election security weeks before the midterm election.

The vote amends the county’s 2026-30 capital plan to fund the purchase and maintenance of the “smart” drop boxes. While commissioners approved the funding, the Lehigh County Board of Elections retains authority over whether the boxes are ultimately deployed.

Several commissioners emphasized the election board could delay or cancel deployment if concerns arise before Election Day. Commissioner Ron Beitler, who supported the measure, cautioned county officials to clearly communicate that the plan remains tentative and that voters should have alternative options if they intend to use one of the proposed locations.

Most speakers during public comment opposed the measure.

Jackie Rivera, vice chair of the Lehigh County Republican Committee, presented petitions signed by more than 200 residents opposing the additional drop boxes.

“Introducing new equipment and procedures at this stage creates unnecessary risk and raises legitimate questions about implementation, oversight and accountability,” Rivera said.

Brandon Matlack, of Northampton County, said he served as a poll watcher during the 2024 presidential election at the Banana Factory. He argued additional drop boxes would not have addressed issues that arose during that election, saying many problems stemmed from voters attempting to cast ballots the same day they registered.

Another Northampton County resident said election officials need more training. Drawing on her experience as a greeter during a Lehigh County special election, she described what she viewed as training deficiencies among several judges of elections and suggested Election Integrity Fund money would be better spent on education and training than on new drop boxes.

Critics of the proposal argued the county has yet to resolve concerns exposed during previous elections, including voter confusion and what some residents described as inconsistent training among election workers. They questioned whether adding new drop boxes weeks before the election could create additional challenges. Supporters maintained the county can successfully implement the new equipment and said expanded access outweighs those concerns.

Commissioner Antonio Pineda cast the lone dissenting vote. He cited concerns about ongoing costs, including battery replacements and overtime expenses for sheriff’s deputies and election workers responsible for collecting ballots from the new locations.

Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi was absent from the meeting and did not vote.

County Executive Josh Siegel said the board of elections had voted 2-1 Sept. 16 to advance the proposal. The election board also identified proposed locations for the new drop boxes, including DeSales University, the Lehigh County Conservation District building in South Whitehall Township, Valley Preferred Cycling Center velodrome in Upper Macungie Township, Slatington and Emmaus.

Siegel said the boxes are expected to arrive Oct. 17.

“That should give us more than enough time to train, deploy them and make sure we’ve got all of the systems figured out beforehand,” Siegel said.

Commissioner Sheila Alvarado, who sponsored the proposal, said additional drop boxes would expand voter access and participation. She argued some voters lack confidence in the U.S. Postal Service’s ability to deliver mail ballots securely and on time.

Earlier in the meeting, East Allen Township resident Joe Welsh urged commissioners not to dismiss federal issues as outside the scope of county government. Welsh noted approximately 70% of the county’s anticipated $541 million in revenue comes from federal grants and reimbursements.

“Decisions made in Washington become decisions made in this room,” Welsh said.

Also during public comment, Bob Walden voiced support for the county’s proposal to relocate the community corrections center to downtown Allentown. He said a more accessible location could improve reentry outcomes for former inmates.

“Punishment is about the loss of freedom but not the loss of dignity,” Walden said.

Commissioners also approved six resolutions authorizing applications for Pennsylvania Gaming Local Share Account grants. The funding requests support various county and community projects, although final funding decisions will be made by Commonwealth Financing Authority.

The board’s next meeting will be held 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14.