Montgomery County Board of Elections swears in poll workers, votes to begin tabulation of Nov. 7 in-person ballots

Montgomery County Board of Elections officials met Nov. 7, 2025 to administer oaths to poll workers and formally begin the tabulation and reconciliation of in-person votes from this week’s municipal election.

Presiding official Neil Nikija opened the meeting and passed the floor to Frank Dean, the county’s director of elections, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members used the session to thank poll workers and the voter services team for what Nikija described as an “extraordinary” election and a smooth process.

The board recorded roughly 307,000 voters in the municipal election — about a 50% turnout — compared with 225,000 voters four years earlier, an increase of about 75,000 ballots, Nikija said. After noting the high participation and “minimal issues,” the board moved to administer an abbreviated official oath to present poll workers and tabulation staff. The oath directed attendees to "faithfully and correctly tabulate and record the vote," to obey the constitution of the commonwealth, and not to accept prohibited compensation.

Following the oath, Nikija asked for a motion to begin official tabulation and reconciliation of the in-person votes. Commissioner Winder moved to commence the tabulation, Commissioner DiBello seconded, and the board approved the motion by voice vote. The board recorded three vocal “Aye” responses during the roll call; the chair announced the motion carried and tabulation would commence.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Fellowes moved to adjourn; Mr. Weiner seconded. The board again approved the motion by voice vote and adjourned the Nov. 7 session.

The meeting transcripts and the board’s action record show the session focused on procedural steps to continue counting and reconciling ballots and on public recognition of poll workers. The board did not take additional substantive policy or administrative actions during the meeting.