WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Tuesday is election day, and while many people may think municipal elections aren’t a big deal, this year it’s different. 28/22 News Reporter Joe Mason spoke with voters on Monday and has more about the expected voter turnout.
This year’s municipal election is an off-year election.
Off-year elections are held to decide who will fill positions like mayors and township supervisors in our local communities, but many voters don’t show up at the polls unless the election involves State or US Representative and Presidential races.
Let’s take a look back at the last off-year election in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.
In 2023, there were 196,296 registered voters in Luzerne County, and 64,498 people voted. That’s nearly 33% of voters.
There were 142,650 registered voters in Lackawanna County in 2023, and 53,459 of them cast their ballots. That’s more than 37%.
The numbers jump substantially during presidential election years.
In 2024, nearly 78% of Lackawanna County voters cast their ballots, while close to 75% of Luzerne County voters did the same.
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Despite the low voter turnout, passionate voters will still be going to the polls.
“You should look at the issues and who you’re voting for. You might not wanna just vote your party. You might want to vote the candidate,” Hanover Township voter Louis Sewell said.
Sewell has only missed one election because of a hospital visit. He says voting gives people a voice.
“If you don’t vote, you really have nothing to say about how our democracy is run. But, if you vote, you have a say in what we do in our elections,” Sewell stated.
Tom Potsko is a poll worker and registered voter. He says every vote matters.
“There are lots of other issues on the ballot, especially this year. Retention of judges, home rule charter questions. I like to have a voice in electing these people,” Potsko explained.
Remember to stay with Your Local Election Headquarters on Election Day on Tuesday.
The polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. If you are in line at your polling station by 8:00 p.m., you can still vote.
28/22 News will track all your local races and bring you the latest updates on air and online.
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