Sean Drasher, Lebanon County’s elections director, discusses the challenges and successes experienced during the 2024 presidential election, including the extensive involvement of student poll workers and issues with early voting. He shares insights on upcoming municipal elections and emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, encouraging individuals to run for local office.
Sean Drasher commenced his journey in election administration by successfully running for his precinct’s Judge of Elections a decade ago, progressing to serve as the director of elections for Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, which includes overseeing 92,000 registered voters. In a recent interview with WITF, Drasher discussed his experiences during the tumultuous 2024 presidential election and the ongoing preparations for upcoming municipal elections.
Reflecting on his work during the election season, Drasher expressed a sense of fondness for the adrenaline experienced during the four weeks leading up to the election, despite acknowledging the overwhelming workload that often left little sleep for those in smaller counties, where staffing levels were significantly lower. He noted that some counties operate with as few as one or two staff members managing all voter rolls and electoral equipment—a situation he described as incomprehensible due to the sheer volume of work involved.
One notable achievement reported by Drasher was the significant involvement of students among poll workers, constituting ten percent of the workforce. Both the public and electoral staff valued their engagement, indicating a positive reception.
Conversely, Drasher pointed out challenges faced during early voting in Pennsylvania, describing the process as disorganized. Voters often arrived expecting efficiency akin to voting processes in other states, only to find long wait times. He expressed concern that these delays reflected poorly on county preparations, though he clarified that staffing and training were adequate, and that the influx of voters at once was simply challenging to manage.
Looking ahead, Drasher shared insights on the impending municipal elections scheduled for May 20th, emphasizing the complexity involved in preparing for this election due to the extensive number of candidates, many of whom are inexperienced. To manage this, proactive steps are taken months in advance to ensure all procedural requirements are met.
Drasher encouraged civic engagement, noting that many local offices are available for interested candidates, highlighting the ease of entry into the electoral process. He advised potential candidates to decide by January and to visit their local elections office to obtain the necessary paperwork for filing. He emphasized that even non-paid positions can lead to further opportunities in public service.
The article profiles Sean Drasher, an election director in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, who has significantly engaged in election administration since his election as a Judge of Elections ten years ago. The interview covers his reflections on the 2024 presidential election, challenges of early voting in Pennsylvania, noteworthy contributions from student poll workers, and the ongoing preparations for local municipal elections. Drasher’s experiences reflect both the complexities of election management and the opportunities for civic involvement within local elections.
The interview with Sean Drasher highlights the intense effort required in election administration, particularly during major electoral events such as the recent presidential election. While he reflects positively on his experiences, he acknowledges the significant obstacles faced in managing early voting and staffing limitations in smaller counties. Moreover, Drasher emphasizes the importance of civic engagement in local elections, encouraging individuals to consider running for office as a means of participating in democracy. His insights provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and rewards associated with election work.
Original Source: www.witf.org
