The Washington County Board of County Commissioners deferred a decision on adding a fourth optional early voting center at the county Election Center on Virginia Avenue after a lengthy discussion about accessibility, geographic distribution and pending state rules.

Barry Jackson, director of the Washington County Board of Elections, told commissioners the Election Center on Virginia Avenue is the most-used facility and “the Election Center is all 1 level,” noting the site’s direct parking and circulation advantages compared with the Hagerstown Library site. He said the center also houses the election office and warehouse and provides ample room for electioneering.

Commissioners pressed Jackson on differences between the Virginia Avenue site and the library, including parking, handicap access, perceived security issues downtown and whether the selected sites equitably cover the county. Commissioner Barr asked, “Which one has better parking? The library or Virginia Avenue site?” Jackson replied that Virginia Avenue’s parking “is right out front” and the Election Center offers easier access. Commissioners also questioned whether the library’s proximity to downtown and walk-in access for disadvantaged neighborhoods weighed more heavily in the board of elections’ choice.

Commissioner Klein and others raised concerns that Maryland’s forthcoming COMAR guidance on geographic distribution could affect whether a fourth site should be approved. Jackson said the state board will consider geographic distribution when it reviews plans in December and that the county must submit its early voting plan to the state board by Nov. 24. He said the county wanted to present the recommendation to the commissioners before that deadline.

After debate, commissioners asked the board of elections to return to the commissioners on Nov. 18 to further explain how the site selection addresses the county’s geographic distribution and equity concerns. No formal approval of the Virginia Avenue site was recorded at the meeting.

The commissioners and election officials discussed alternatives and logistics, including whether other locations such as Smithsburg or Hopewell Road should be considered as part of an equitable distribution. Jackson emphasized that the library site can handle large turnout but described trade-offs between walk-in access downtown and parking/one-level access at Virginia Avenue.

The board’s request to delay final approval signals the county will revisit its early voting plan before filing with the state; Jackson noted that missing the Nov. 24 submission deadline would have legal consequences for the elections office.