Statement Regarding Mail-in Ballot Error for 2025 Municipal Primary Election
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sullivan County Board of Elections
Date: May 13, 2025
Statement Regarding Mail-in Ballot Error for 2025 Municipal Primary Election
The Sullivan County Board of Elections has identified an error affecting a limited number of mail-in ballots for the upcoming 2025 Municipal Primary Election. Specifically, 284 ballots mailed to voters before May 13, 2025, include an incorrect instruction for the “County School Director” contest.
These ballots erroneously state: “Vote for not more than FIVE,” implying that five seats are up for election. Only four (4) County School Director positions are on the ballot.
We take this matter seriously and have taken immediate corrective action:
All mail-in ballots distributed on or after May 13, 2025, have been corrected to reflect the accurate instruction: “Vote for not more than FOUR.”
All in-person precinct ballots will also reflect the correct number of positions up for election.
The 284 affected mail-in ballots will still be counted. No action is required from voters who received them.
· During the pre-canvassing process, the affected ballots will be segregated accordingly.
· During the canvassing process, these ballots will be hand-counted to ensure accuracy.
Only the votes for the top four (4) candidates will advance to the November Municipal Election, in compliance with election law.
The Board of Elections remains fully committed to the integrity, transparency, and security of our elections. We have implemented protocols to ensure that every vote is accurately recorded, and every voter is informed. Voter confidence is essential, and we will continue to communicate proactively and respond swiftly to any issues that arise.
If you have questions about your mail-in ballot or any aspect of the election process, please contact the Sullivan County Board of Elections at (570)-946-5201 or jspako@sullivancountypa.gov
We appreciate the public’s understanding and continued trust.
