Applications are now being accepted for three new seats on Lehigh County’s Election and Registration Commission after voters approved a referendum expanding the board from three members to five, according to a press release.

The referendum passed with 78% voter approval Nov. 3, creating what county officials described as a first-of-its-kind five-member board. The expanded commission will include one Republican member, one Democratic member and one independent or unaffiliated member in addition to the current members nominated by party chairs.

Interested candidates must be Lehigh County residents and have maintained the same party registration, including no affiliation, for at least two years before appointment, according to the release. The board of commissioners will review applications and conduct interviews in December. Selected candidates will serve four-year terms beginning Feb. 1, 2027.

Lehigh County Commissioner Sarah Fevig, who sponsored the measure, praised the outcome in the release.

“I’m delighted to see my first bill become a reality and for 78% of Lehigh County voters to approve this one-of-a-kind election board, balanced in power, representing our independent, nonaffiliated voters in exciting new ways, opening up the application process to all residents, not just party-favored,” Fevig said in the release.

In addition to the results of the midterm election, the future of the county’s election and registration commission was on the ballot this year. The board currently consists of three members.

With voter approval secured, county officials are actively seeking applicants for the new positions. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 23 and are available through the county website. Required documents include a completed application, a resume or biographical summary of relevant experience and service, and a Pennsylvania Statement of Financial Interests, according to the release.

Questions may be directed to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners’ Office at 610-782-3050, according to the release.