HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-05_Election Board Minutes_APPROVED 35
MINUTE BOOK
BOARD OF ELECTIONS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
IMR LIMITED E1316649LD
Washington County Board of Elections July 5, 2024
The Washington County Board of Elections met in special session in the Crossroads
Center Conference Room, Room G-17, Washington, PA with the following members being
present: Chairman Nick Sherman, Electra S. Janis via telephone, and Larry Maggi. Also present
were Solicitor Gary Sweat, Chief of Staff Daryl Price, Elections Director Melanie Ostrander,
Executive Assistant Heather Wilhelm, Brad Hundt from the Observer Reporter, and residents
JoJo Burgess, Cliff Cochran, Gordon Lowry, and Dave Errett.
Mr. Sherman called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.
Mr. Sherman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Maggi moved to approve the minutes of the May 13, 2024 meeting.
Mr. Sherman seconded the motion.
Motion unanimously approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident and Mayor of the City of Washington JoJo Burgess stated the Board of
Elections needs to be for the people not politics. He considers ballot curing a political move.
Elderly voters are being disenfranchised by not allowing curing of mail ballots. What is the cost
to inform voters of ballot errors verse legal fees incurred. People should come first verse national
politics and set a precedent in the State.
Resident Cliff Cochran spoke in favor of ballot curing.
Resident Gordon Lowry stated there is no law prohibiting ballot curing. Greene and
Fayette Counties are rural counties, and they are allowing ballot curing.
Resident Dave Errett stated in 2020 he cast a ballot in person and noticed while scanning
the ballot an error was made in a choice. Errors happen in person.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Maggi moved to amend the agenda to allow ballot curing.
Motion fails due to lack of a second.
Mr. Sherman moved to enter executive session at 10:17 am.
Ms. Janis seconded the motion.
Motion unanimously approved.
Public meeting resumed at 10:37 am.
Mr. Sherman moved to appoint the law firm of DeForest,Koscelnik, and Berardinelli and
Attorney David Berardinelli to represent the Washington County Board of Elections in the case
filed by the Center for Coalfield Justice et al in Washington County at Civil Division Docket
24-3953 as well as any other claims or challenges that may affect the County Board of Elections
as it relates to the 2024 General Election and authorize the County Solicitor to sign the
Engagement Agreement that was submitted by Attorney Berardinelli.
Ms. Janis seconded the motion.
Roll call vote taken:
Mr. Sherman—yes;Ms. Janis—yes; Mr. Maggi—no
Motion approved.
36
MINUTE BOOK -
BOARD OF ELECTIONS WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
IMR LIMITED E1316649LD
The next Board of Elections meeting will be at a date and time to be announced later.
There being no further business, Chairman Sherman declared the meeting adjourned
at 10:37 am.
THE FOREGOING MINUTES WERE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL,:
, 2024
ATTEST: - e-1Z
CHIEF CLERK
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