Enhancing Election Security and Honoring Service: Highlights From the Clinton County Board of Commissioners Meeting Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN— The Clinton County Board of Commissioners approved a curing policy for mail-in and absentee ballots at their meeting on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Additionally, the board approved an application and agreement for election security through the 2024 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Grant. Chief Deputy Sheriff James Worden of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office was acknowledged for his service to the county during the meeting after the board granted approval for his retirement in November. Jay Young, data collector in the Clinton County Assessment Office, was also acknowledged for his service to the county following the approval of his resignation.

The commissioners considered and approved a curing policy for mail-in and absentee ballots for the upcoming presidential election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. During Monday’s work session, County Voter Registrar Maria Boileau addressed the board to propose a curing policy for correcting defective mail-in and absentee ballots that are undated, unsigned, or incorrectly dated.

On Monday, Boileau explained that a ballot is deemed defective if it is unsigned, incorrectly dated, or submitted without being placed in its secrecy envelope. She proposed that the commissioners implement a curing policy, allowing the Clinton County Voting Registration Office to attempt to reach the voter once—via text message, phone call, or mail—if their ballot is defective to inform them that they must contact the office by Election Day to correct the issue.

Commissioner Angela Harding clarified that corrections can only be made to the envelope, not the ballot itself, which Boileau confirmed.

On a motion made by Commissioner Harding, seconded by Commissioner James Russo, the curing policy was approved, with no vote from Commissioner Snyder, who was absent from Thursday’s voting session.

Boileau also informed the board about the 2024 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant during Monday’s meeting, which is designed to enhance election security. The grant funds are intended to enhance election technology and improve election security measures. These funds can be used for various election-related expenses, including upgrading voting equipment, training election staff, enhancing physical and cybersecurity, voter education, and conducting post-election audits.

On Thursday, the board voted on the application and agreement between Clinton County and the Pennsylvania Department of State for $3,000 in 2024 HAVA grant funds, focused on enhancing election technology and security. The application and agreement were approved following a motion by Commissioner Russo, which Commissioner Harding seconded.

During the personnel segment of the meeting, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Chief Deputy Sheriff James Worden of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office following the approval of his retirement, effective November 5, 2024.

“This certificate is awarded to Chief Deputy Sheriff James Worden in sincere gratitude for his 29 years from July 5, 1995, until November 5, 2024, of dedicated service to the Clinton County Government. The county will be forever grateful, and he is retiring with distinction,” Commissioner Harding read.

Clinton County Sheriff Kerry Stover attended the meeting and briefly spoke on behalf of Chief Deputy Sheriff Worden’s retirement. “It was a no-brainer when I came on board to keep Jim, and it’s bittersweet,” he said. “I’m glad that he can retire; he’s going to be missed. I have good people in the office, and I selected the deputy to take his place, but I’m gonna miss him, so I want to wish him the best.”

Next, under personnel, the commissioners approved the resignation of Jay Young, data collector in the Clinton County Assessment Office, effective November 8, 2024. Young could not attend the meeting Thursday morning to accept his certificate, which expressed sincere gratitude for his 16 years of dedicated service to the Clinton County Government from June 9, 2008, through November 8, 2024. “We will be forever grateful, and Mr. Young is also retiring with distinction, so thank you, Mr. Young, for your years of service,” Commissioner Harding said.

At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Harding provided the commissioner’s reports, which involved a new maternal and paternal leave policy.

“I just want to briefly say how proud I am that Clinton County government was able to enact the maternal and paternal leave policy,” she said. “We are now going to offer six weeks [of] paid maternal leave to all new mothers in county government. That includes birthing, fostering, [and] adopting, and we’re going to offer two weeks of paid paternal leave to all new fathers in county government. I’m very proud of the fact that we are able to do that, and it affords new parents in county government to not expend all of their vacation and sick time in order to become parents.”

The commissioners will hold their next meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. All meetings are held in the 2nd-floor conference room of the Piper Building at 2 Piper Way in Lock Haven. Meetings are also livestreamed on the “Clinton County Government” Facebook page.