Insights from Lebanon County’s Election Director on 2024 Elections

Sean Drasher, Lebanon County’s elections director, reflects on the intense preparations and experiences during the 2024 presidential election, noting both successes and challenges. He highlights the involvement of students as poll workers and critiques the cumbersome early voting process in Pennsylvania. Looking ahead to the municipal elections in May 2024, Drasher encourages civic engagement, emphasizing the ease of running for local office and the importance of grassroots participation in the electoral process.

Sean Drasher began his journey in election administration by successfully running as a candidate for his precinct’s Judge of Elections a decade ago. Through hard work and dedication, he has progressed to serve as the elections director for Lebanon County, which encompasses over 92,000 registered voters. Recently, Drasher shared insights with WITF regarding the preparations and challenges involved in the 2024 presidential election and the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for May 20, 2024.

During his interview, Drasher recalled the intense workload experienced in the weeks leading up to the presidential election, stating, “Mostly fondly… the bulk of the overtime was the four weeks before the election. That was just madness.” He expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm that comes with the job, though he recognized that his staff experienced the pressure differently, particularly in smaller counties where election administration is managed by only a handful of employees.

An unexpected success during the election cycle came from involving students as poll workers, with Drasher noting, “Ten percent of all of our poll workers are students, and I could not be happier with that.” These students enhanced the polling experience for voters, bringing a fresh enthusiasm to the process. However, he also acknowledged significant challenges, especially regarding the clunky early voting system in Pennsylvania, which led to long wait times and logistical issues at polling locations, painting a picture of a demanding and multifaceted election process.

Looking forward, Drasher is already in the planning stages for the upcoming municipal elections, emphasizing the complexity involved with numerous candidates and necessary paperwork. He encourages those interested in public service to consider running for local offices, emphasizing the accessibility and importance of these roles within their communities.

Drasher’s experiences highlight the rigorous demands of election administration, the value of involving younger generations in civic duties, and the ongoing need for improvements in voting processes that ultimately affect voter turnout and civic engagement. His reflections serve as a testament to the dedication required in ensuring the electoral process runs smoothly, particularly at the local level.

The article discusses the experiences of Sean Drasher, the elections director for Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. It highlights his journey in election administration, the challenges faced during the 2024 presidential election, and insights into preparing for upcoming municipal elections. The dialogue underscores the importance of poll workers, particularly students, and critiques the early voting process in Pennsylvania. Drasher encourages civic involvement and running for local office, emphasizing the significance of grassroots political engagement in community governance.

In conclusion, Sean Drasher’s reflections on the recent presidential election and the preparations for the upcoming municipal elections underscore the significant challenges and triumphs of election administration. His emphasis on student involvement as poll workers presents a hopeful avenue for civic engagement, while the inherited difficulties of the voting process reflect ongoing systemic issues needing resolution. Drasher’s commitment to facilitating local governance underscores the vital role that every citizen can play in shaping their community through elected positions.

Original Source: www.witf.org