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 the remainder.

The discussion emphasized the legal and logistical constraints tied to the county’s polling-place selection plan, which staff said must be submitted in full by Nov. 24. If Westernport remains listed and is later unavailable, the administrator said the jurisdiction would have to resubmit the entire polling-place plan and would have only 15 days to do so, creating a significant administrative burden for county election staff.

Moving the Westernport precinct outside its boundaries would also trigger voter-notification requirements. “Any of these changes that she has to do, she has to send voter notification cards to everybody. And then if she moves back, she will have to do that again,” the Election Administrator said, referring to the additional mailings and notices required when a polling place changes.

Given those constraints, board members expressed a preference for using West Mar Middle School as a temporary site for the primary and potentially the general election, citing familiarity from COVID-era operations and easier implementation for staff and judges. Members discussed dividing the gym space and using signage and greeters to reduce voter confusion if the site hosts multiple precincts.

Board members and staff also reviewed related election preparations:

- Election judge recruitment: As of Aug. 25 staff reported 147 affirmative responses and five negative responses to judge outreach; the administrator said second notices will be sent to unresponsive judges. The board noted that current responses lag the prior comparable cycle and that staff will continue outreach.

- Mock election and equipment testing: A draft schedule for an October mock election was shared. Staff said they will perform logic and accuracy testing, simulate four days of early voting and Election Day, and run provisional and MIB canvases so newer staff can practice provisional-ballot processing. Board members were asked to participate in the larger canvass starting Oct. 14; staff said the provisional canvas would be smaller (about 50) while the larger canvas could involve about 250 ballots.

- Warehouse and ballot-room work: Staff said work to expand the warehouse and double the size of the ballot room is expected to begin in October. The aim is a larger space for supplies and packing while most equipment remains in the current warehouse.

- Ballot drop-box pickups and transportation: Staff reviewed past pickup activity (about 54 pickups in the last election) and discussed whether election judges could assist with twice-daily pickups. Board members agreed to participate in pickups for paperwork and transportation but noted physical limits on performing the heaviest tasks.

Board members also asked staff about contingency planning if state or federal rules change, including a hypothetical federal photo-ID requirement. Staff reiterated that the county will follow directives from the State Board of Elections and could not provide specifics until any requirement is issued.

No final vote was taken on moving the Westernport precinct; the board’s administrator said the polling-place matter will come back for formal review at the November meeting where members will be able to review photos and facility assessments. The board confirmed its next meeting for Oct. 7 at 9 a.m.