Guzzardi’s name will appear on some ballots, despite ruling

(Harrisburg) — Despite a state Supreme Court ruling removing him from the gubernatorial primary, both York and Lebanon counties are keeping Republican Bob Guzzardi on their ballots.

Lancaster, Cumberland and Dauphin counties are keeping Guzzardi off ballots, but at a cost.

It’s $27,000 for new ballots in Lancaster, Cumberland’s price tag might reach a couple thousand dollars, and Dauphin County says the biggest cost is in employee’s time.

York and Lebanon counties decided to keep ballots as is.

Election directors in both counties point out it takes time to change ballots, reprogram machines, and test everything before an election.

“Poll workers will be on hand, and poll workers have been instructed to let all Republican voters know that there is a note in place at the voting terminal and they should read that before proceeding,” saysLaurie Oliver, Lebanon County’s Director of Elections.

“In order to preserve the integrity of our elections, that we are following the best course for our county. I think there could possibly, challenge the integrity of the election at this late date if we made changes.”

In 2004, court rulings days before the election left Ralph Nader off the ballot for president in Pennsylvania, presenting counties with a similar dilemma.

Just this week, Lancaster County commissioners called on courts to recognize the timeliness of election cases and make sure decisions are made well in advance of when the polls open.