Republicans take narrow lead in Luzerne County voter registration

Luzerne County’s voter registration has officially flipped from a Democratic to Republican majority, according to the latest statistics posted Monday.

The breakdown: 87,415 Republicans and 87,332 Democrats — a difference of 83.

The gap between Democrats and Republicans has been steadily shrinking for years, and county Republican leaders had predicted the county voter registration majority would soon switch from blue to red.

Democrats have long held the dominant registration. For example, the gap between the two parties was 47,669 in 2011. Area political professors have largely attributed the county’s gradual increase in Republican registrations over time to an aging county population that is becoming more conservative.

County Republican Party Chairman Gene Ziemba, who was elected chairman in July, has said party workers and volunteers were making a concerted effort to interact with residents and encourage them to register to vote as Republicans or change their existing registration to Republican.

“I’m excited and relieved that our message has been received by the good people of Luzerne County,” Ziemba said Monday. “The battle goes on until Nov. 5.”

Ziemba thanked everyone involved in voter registration and party change efforts, “from the person who asked one friend or family member if they are registered to vote, to the many organizations that have coordinated grand efforts, voter drives, and events throughout our county.”

The county’s total voter registration is now 203,321

A week ago, the county had 202,677 registered voters, which means 644 were added.

The registration changes since last week:

• Republicans picked up 411

• Democrats added 95

• Voters with other affiliations or no affiliations grew by 138

There are now 28,574 voters choosing no party or other parties.

County Democratic Chairman Thomas Shubilla has said many young voters are supportive of Democratic platforms but registering independent because they “don’t want a party label.”

Oct. 21 is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5 general election.