County: Lucerne

Luzerne County, with a population of 328,000, is home to the cities of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne, Hazleton and Nanticoke. In recent years, the county’s predominantly white population has grown and become more diverse. For example, 40% of the population of Hazleton, a former mining town, is now Hispanic/Latino.

Luzerne County has historically been a Democratic stronghold, especially among working-class voters, but in recent years it has become increasingly red, particularly in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. In 2024, the number of registered Republicans surpassed that of registered Democrats for the first time.

Voter Gracie Watkins

Watkins, 19, is a lifelong resident of Luzerne County and is currently a full-time student living in Laflin.

Too young to vote in the 2020 election, he plans to vote this year for former President Donald Trump.

The most important issues for her personally are women’s rights and lower taxes. The issues she believes affect her community the most are taxes and inflation.

“I think both (Donald Trump and Kamala Harris) are smart about what they think,” he said. “I don’t agree with some things; In fact, I disagree with some things in both parties. But I think we’re looking for someone who can rebuild this country back to where it was, not where it was, but more stability, things like jobs, things like that.”

He added: “I feel like countries are afraid of Trump and that’s what we need.”