Members of the Electoral Committee of the Lucerne District informed about the change in security protocol

Lucerne County has revised safety protocols for citizens’ council members, officials said.

The announcement was made Tuesday in an email from county executive Jennifer Pecora to members of the county election commission.

Pecora told the five board members that she “very respectfully” informed them that their badge access to the electoral office would be disabled for the duration of the special election.

“You will certainly be allowed to enter the bureau in the presence of management,” Pecora told the board of directors.

Speaking Tuesday night, Pecora said the county no longer allows members of any county councils, authorities and commissions to enter secure office spaces on their own.

Pecora said the county has many outside boards, authorities and commissions, and the administration has come to the conclusion that non-employees should not have easy access to office space.

“The badge has been closed to anyone who is not an employee for security reasons,” Pecora said.

Acting County Manager Brian Swetz said the decision was made with input from the Sheriff’s Department.

He said there are about 190 board members, although many of them do not have secure access to county government buildings.

Electoral Commission Chair Denise Williams said on Tuesday she has no problem with access restrictions.

Election officials were also informed that they must use the public entrance to the County-owned Penn Place Building, which houses the Electoral Office and requires a security check.

Contact Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or tweet @TLJenLearnAndes.