In This Together NEPA Files Legal Action to Reinstate Mail Ballot Drop Boxes in Luzerne County

by Brian Dugas

Luzerne County, PA — In This Together NEPA, along with impacted voters, has filed an injunction with the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, seeking injunctive relief to reinstate mail ballot drop boxes for the upcoming November 5, 2024 General Election. We are proud to be represented in this action by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). CFC November ACLU, CFC October Action Together NEPA.

The decision by Luzerne County’s administration to eliminate all drop boxes just weeks before a major election is a clear violation of voter rights, disproportionately affecting seniors, individuals with disabilities, working voters, and voters who rely on these secure and accessible options. Since 2020, drop boxes have provided a trusted, secure method for voters to cast their ballots in Luzerne County, with strict security measures in place, including video surveillance and secure chain of custody. Their removal poses a significant threat to voter access and participation. Luzerne County Council meeting Tuesday, October 8th, Board of Elections meeting Wednesday, October 9th.

The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, under the umbrella of CEO, distributes food to organizations feeding those in need in four counties in NEPA. These organizations include food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, group homes for the disabled, day care centers, children's camps, and senior citizens. One of the members of our congregation (Jenny) volunteers at one of these food pantries serving Lackawanna County: BreadBasket of NEPA.

When a group of UU members volunteered at the Weinberg Food Bank in August, we learned that the need for food has never been more serious than during the last year. The Weinberg Food Bank has had difficulty meeting this rising demand. In the past, the Weinberg Food Bank made weekly deliveries to participating organizations. BreadBasket was just informed that for the remainder of the 2024 calendar year, the Weinberg Food Bank will only be able to deliver food every other week to all organizations that depend on these donations.

We have established an internal food pantry to help members of our own UU congregation, and we remain committed to this important project. Our food pantry is located in the lower level of the church, and it is open to anyone in need. The generosity of our community keeps this pantry well-stocked, and we are grateful. I'd like to ask the congregation to also consider a designated donation of one critically-needed item of food each month for the BreadBasket Food Pantry.

Jenny could communicate this need to Monica in the announcements (for example: October Is cereal, November peanut butter, etc.). In this way, we could support both our own UU congregation and the greater community, where the need is dire and growing. At the BreadBasket Food Pantry in downtown Scranton, we feed on average 100 households a week (that gives you a picture of the scope of the problem, as we are only one of seven food pantries in Lackawanna County).

The Women's March in Washington, D.C. and other locations is planned on NOVEMBER 2, 2024. (Saturday) Climate Reality NEPA, Saturday, October 26th, 4:00PM. Solar Sparks and Campfire Chat - learn about the value of solar power by visiting Rob and Margaret’s solar panel array. Meet and talk with other people from the Wyoming Valley concerned about our environmental welfare.