Concerns about election security have become a major topic nationwide, but many voters still have questions about how elections actually work at the local level. This Friday, a community group in Northeast Pennsylvania will host a town hall aimed at providing answers.
Wayne County Voices, a nonpartisan organization, will hold the forum at the Settlers Inn in Hawley, PA. Panelists include Amy Christopher, director of the Wayne County Bureau of Elections; Sheriff Christopher Rosler; and James Hutchinson, a local judge of elections.
The event is designed as an open forum where residents can meet officials, ask questions, and learn more about how elections are conducted. Attendees will have the option to ask questions aloud or submit them on index cards.
Roger Brinkerhoff, a spokesperson for Wayne County Voices, said the group was formed in March 2025 to provide a neutral platform for civic engagement. “We recognized how many people wanted to be involved, but didn’t want to be aligned with or against any particular political party,” he said.
The upcoming town hall is the fourth in the organization’s series. Previous forums, held in Galilee and other local towns, have attracted 40 to 60 participants, Brinkerhoff said. He emphasized that bringing election officials together with the public can help improve trust in the process.
Among the questions the panel is expected to address are concerns about potential federal involvement at local elections and general questions about voting procedures.
In addition to civic discussion, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or personal care items for Nobody Wayne Community Aid Network a mutual aid group supporting local residents.
The event is free and open to the public. More information is available at waynecountyvoices.org or by calling 570-470-6627.
Wayne County Voices plans to continue its town hall series, with the next forum scheduled for July 25 in Hawley, focused on rural issues and community needs.
Image: Voting booths are set up at a polling place in Newtown, Pa., Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
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