LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Luzerne County voters will face one big yes or no question at the polls on Tuesday: Should the home rule charter be updated?

Luzerne County is one of only eight counties in Pennsylvania that operates under a home rule charter, meaning voters, not lawmakers, decide how the local government is structured.

Currently, Luzerne County is run by an 11-member council and an appointed county manager.

It created an independent election board and an ethics commissioner.

But what would change if the new charter passes? First, the number of council members would shrink from 11 to nine starting in 2028. It would also give a modest pay raise.

Supporters say that would make government leaner and more efficient.

While others worry it could mean less representation and oversight.

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