Sean Drasher, Lebanon County’s elections director, shared insights into the challenges of the 2024 presidential election, including chaotic early voting and a successful student poll worker program. He highlighted the complexity of preparing for municipal elections and encouraged civic engagement by promoting local office candidacies.
Sean Drasher, Lebanon County’s elections director, began his career in election administration by winning an election for Judge of Elections in his precinct a decade ago. This experience paved the way for his current role overseeing elections for approximately 92,000 registered voters. In a recent conversation with WITF, he reflected on the challenges and triumphs faced during the 2024 presidential election and discussed upcoming municipal elections scheduled for May 20, 2024.
Drasher described the chaotic period leading up to the presidential election as both thrilling and overwhelming, particularly noting the significant amount of overtime worked by his team. He expressed admiration for smaller counties, which often operate with limited staff and resources while managing extensive voter rolls and election logistics.
Among the highlights of the election, Drasher noted that ten percent of poll workers were students, which received positive feedback from both staff and voters. However, he also mentioned that the early voting process in Pennsylvania posed considerable challenges, as the system struggles to accommodate large crowds effectively, causing long wait times that reflect poorly on election administration.
Looking ahead, Drasher is already preparing for the municipal elections. He indicated that the local election process involves multiple candidates, many of whom are first-time candidates unfamiliar with the necessary paperwork. Drasher emphasized the importance of early planning for these elections as they involve numerous offices and a significant number of ballots.
Finally, he encouraged civic engagement by highlighting the numerous local offices available for election. Individuals interested in running for office should prepare in advance, as the application process is relatively straightforward and accessible, paving the way for future leaders in their communities.
The article focuses on the experiences and perspectives of Sean Drasher, who serves as the elections director for Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. His insights during a conversation with WITF touch on the challenges of managing the electoral process, particularly regarding the 2024 presidential election and the subsequent municipal elections. The discussion highlights the intricacies of election logistics, voter engagement, and the encouragement of civic participation through local office candidacies.
In summary, Sean Drasher’s reflections reveal the complexities and excitement involved in running elections. The challenges faced during early voting and the vital role of preparing for municipal elections underscore the importance of effective election administration. His encouragement for civic participation demonstrates the pathways available for individuals looking to contribute meaningfully to their communities through public office.
Original Source: www.witf.org
