Allegany County election officials propose West Mar Middle as temporary polling site after Westernport flood damage

The Allegany County Board of Elections on Sept. 2 discussed moving Westernport Elementary School voters temporarily to West Mar Middle School for the 2026 primary after flood damage left Westernport in active repair. Election staff told the board the school superintendent’s timeline had repeatedly shifted and that, even if repairs finish in March, the county could not rely on Westernport for the required polling-place submission deadline.

“The initial response about how long it was going to take to be ready was December, and then it was January. And then when I spoke to the principal, he would come back from a meeting from the board. He said March, which is very, very close to the election,” the Election Administrator said during the meeting.

Board members and staff discussed alternatives including Barton Elementary (now in church-affiliated use) and other community halls, but noted accessibility concerns and uncertain availability. Staff reported 21 of the county’s 28 proposed polling facilities have already agreed to host voting; second notices and follow-up calls are under way for…