County Ballot Blunder

A weekly roundup of the stories, programs and events that matter to the Lehigh Valley community.

Hundreds of mail-in ballots sent to Lehigh County voters ahead of the May primary contained errors tied to a clerical mistake in the election office, according to county officials.

The issue prompted officials to notify affected voters after flawed ballots were already mailed out, raising fresh questions about election administration just weeks before ballots are due back.

County officials say they are working to correct the problem and ensure impacted voters receive accurate ballots in time, but the error adds another layer of scrutiny to mail voting procedures in a closely watched election cycle.

That race is unfolding alongside other high-stakes developments shaping how elections are being run and experienced across the region right now...

With just two weeks to go before Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District Democratic primary, the race is tightening in both tone and stakes – and national Democrats are now making a move.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has formally thrown its support behind Bob Brooks, the Bethlehem firefighter and union leader who has emerged as one of the most closely watched candidates in a crowded four-way field.

And…

From politics and endorsements, the focus shifts to a very different kind of impact story — one playing out in workplaces and households across the Lehigh Valley.

In Lehigh County, a new paid family leave policy is beginning to take shape in a more personal way for expecting parents and employees planning time away from work.

THE FOCUS

Lehigh County's election office sent out hundreds of flawed mail-in ballots last week after accidentally using a year-old voter roll. (Tom Shortell / LehighValleyNews.com)

The story: Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel confirmed Tuesday that a clerical error led county officials to use the May 2025 voter polls list to send out its May 2026 mail-in ballots.

Why it matters: The mistake means people who moved in the past year haven't received a ballot, that residents who changed political parties received the wrong ballot and that ballots were sent to the last address of voters who died over the past 12 months.

In addition, mail-in ballots were sent to some voters who did not request them in this years race, Siegel said.

Coming Thursday: Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick examine the Pennsylvania primary one final time as we enter the home stretch for the region's contested races.

Catch new episodes of Political Pulse on our YouTube channel every Thursday.

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**Brought to you by** **St. Luke's University Health Network**

MORE FROM LVPM

More from the newsroom: A staple of Hellertown dining is entering a new chapter — but not closing its doors.

The longtime owner of Braveheart Highland Pub has put the popular restaurant and its multi-use property up for sale after nearly two decades, framing the move as a retirement decision and promising “business as usual” for customers.

The listing offers more than just a bar and dining room. It’s a turnkey operation with multiple revenue streams and a loyal following, raising a familiar question for the region: what happens when a beloved local institution changes hands?

Common Threads Happy Hour: Join Common Threads host Megan Frank and guests for a happy hour networking event in the studio where the podcast is filmed.

The next event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the Univest Public Media Center, but you can reserve your spot early. Click HERE to register.

Storytime: Participate in a free, fun and interactive story time with literacy, movement and songs. The 30-minute sessions take place at the Univest Public Media Center on the SteelStacks campus. Activities are designed for ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Every child in attendance will receive a new book for their home library. Click HERE to register for May 19.

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Community Conversation

As guidance around childhood vaccinations evolves, families across the Lehigh Valley have been left with important questions and sometimes, uncertainty.

Last week, we broke down recent changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. What’s changed, why now, and how are these updates impacting pediatric care, school requirements, and parental decision-making?

If you missed the episode, watch it now. You can also register to be part of the next Community Conversation – The Economic Health of the Lehigh Valley – on May 28.

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QUICK HITS

A new art gallery exhibiting photography is opening in Easton and intends to serve as a community hub and place of creativity, art and events.

The Center for Analog Monochrome Photography (CAMP) and Last Look Gallery announced their grand opening and inaugural exhibition from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Learn more HERE.
Belleville Market also has announced the return of the Belleville Street Faire, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem.

Inspired by the outdoor markets of Europe, the event will bring together more than 100 makers, curators and collectors for a one-day celebration of small business, craftmanship and community. For more, visit https://bellevillemarket.com/pages/street-faire.
PennDOT invites the public to learn more about the proposed Interstate 78 improvements in Upper Macungie and Weisenberg townships, Lehigh County.

The in-person event will be held at Fogelsville Elementary School tonight at 6 p.m.