Allegany County elections board approves early voting site and drop-box locations, plans staffing and training

The Allegany County Board of Elections on Aug. 5 approved the early voting center and ballot drop box locations recommended by staff for the 2026 gubernatorial election and discussed a staffing plan, background-check requirements and training for handling drop-box pickups.

Board members unanimously approved the staff recommendation to use the Alleghany County Office Complex at 701 Kelly Road, Room 100 in Cumberland, as the primary early voting center and to keep the same ballot drop box locations used previously, including the Alleghany County Complex and Mountain Ridge School in Frostburg. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) for each location was provided to board members for review; a motion to accept the early voting center and a separate motion to accept the drop-box locations were made and approved during the meeting. The transcript records the board approving both motions with all members voting "Aye," but it does not provide a numeric roll-call tally.

The board spent significant time on operations and training needed to support the plan. Wendy, the elections administrator, outlined a full mock election and training timeline to prepare new staff for the gubernatorial election, saying…