Embattled Chester County election director Karen Barsoum to resign after primary
The election director in Chester County, under fire for a series of administrative errors and accusations of a hostile work environment, is resigning from her role.
In a Thursday memo to staff of the county’s voter services department, Karen Barsoum said her final day with the county would be June 12, after the county’s 2026 primary election results are certified.
“After careful consideration, I feel it is the right time for me to embrace new opportunities for both professional and personal growth,” the letter said. “After my service with the County ends, I will be announcing my future plans.”
Barsoum had faced criticism from the public in recent months following a highly publicized pollbook error in the 2025 municipal election and more recent revelations that the county had misprinted names on mail ballot applications in that same election. She also faced complaints of a toxic work culture at the department under her management.
https://www.votebeat.org/pennsylvania/2026/03/26/karen-barsoum-chester-county-election-director-resigns-pollbook-problem-2025/