Centre County to retrofit van as mobile elections office ahead of fall general election

Centre County commissioners voted to retrofit an existing county van into a mobile satellite office for the Elections Department, a unit officials said will bring registration, ballot requests and ballots‑on‑demand to communities across the county.

David Lomison, county transportation staff, said the work will equip van No. 55 with a camera system, a power inverter to run computers and printers, and an exterior awning for on‑site service. “This will help ensure that every eligible voter in Centre County has the opportunity to cast their ballot,” Melanie (Elections director) told commissioners.

Why it matters: commissioners noted the county’s large geography and said a mobile office could reach senior centers, town centers and other locations where residents have limited access to the Bellefonte elections office. Commissioner Concepcion said the county will ensure the mobile unit meets election security and accessibility requirements.

Officials said the project is modeled on a program used in Montgomery County and that Centre County will repurpose an existing van rather than buying new. Commissioners and staff said the unit will likely appear first at senior‑center parking lots and at community events, and that a published schedule will be shared before deployment. The county intends the mobile office to be available for the November 2025 general election; staff said the unit was not expected to be ready for the primary on short notice.

During public comment, Susan Warner of the Centre County League of Women Voters urged adoption of the plan and asked whether the Penn State satellite office used in the prior election will be retained; staff replied that the Penn State building will be deconstructed and is not available.

Ending: Commissioners approved the retrofitting and directed staff to finalize security, scheduling and state coordination ahead of the fall election.