WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Seven months after "Paper Gate" made headlines around the country, the Luzerne County District Attorney's office wrapped up its investigation, not finding any evidence that indicated the paper shortages were done with criminal intent or activity.
"Everyone involved has gone out of their way to cooperate with our investigation. The fact that they didn't make the information public was partly at least partly as a request of our office so that information doesn't get leaked so the partial information isn't released, which could adversely affect the investigation," said D.A. Sam Sanguedolce.
District Attorney Sanguedolce's report shows 16 polling sites in Luzerne County ran out of ballot paper during the general election last year, leading voters to use emergency or provisional ballots.
One concern was that this paper shortage was targeted at Republican and or Conservative polling sites, something Sanguedolce says is not true.
"That was factually inaccurate and quickly put to bed as we learned that those reports were coming in pretty much from every election ward in Luzerne County," he explained.
No criminal charges will be filed against county or election workers.
Sanguedolce says all parties play a crucial role in making sure election days run smoothly.
"The personnel designated to deal with supplies, including the printer paper, for the election machines includes the Director and the Deputy Director of the ops manager, the election tech. The admins and the poll workers, obviously, by the time the machines go to the poll workers, it's a little late to deal with a shortage of paper. After all, it was up to all poll workers that uncovered the issue here,'" he said.
With the next election just a few months away, the district attorney's office hopes that this investigation will help county election officials avoid future issues.
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