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Allegany County election office reposts registrar opening as staffing, hours and pay deter applicants
Summary
The Allegany County Board of Elections was told the registrar posting remains open after interviews and second interviews failed to yield a hire; board members cited long election-cycle hours and a $41,000 salary as key recruitment challenges ahead of the 2026 elections.
The Allegany County Board of Elections heard on a regular meeting that the county’s registrar position remains vacant and the job posting was circulated again after candidates from two interview rounds withdrew or did not complete the process.
Administrator (speaker 4) told the board the registrar vacancy was posted Jan. 2, that initial interviews took place Jan. 30 and second interviews Feb. 6, and that the office reposted the opening with an application deadline of Friday the 13th. "The position remains vacant and the posting went out again yesterday," the administrator said during the personnel update.
Board members said candidates are being discouraged by the combination of pay and the heavy hours required during the election cycle. "Everything that's required for $41,000 a year," the chair (speaker 3) said, describing the overtime, warehouse work and long election days that accompany the role. Another board member noted that clearer upfront disclosure of expected hours and duties has reduced people coming into the job "blind," but that the disclosures themselves may deter applicants.
Board members and staff discussed how the expanded election calendar and training schedule stretch the recruitment timeline. Administrator (speaker 4) noted week-long training and additional on-site duties at fairgrounds that can push a first workday past 10 p.m.; the office is also preparing training dates and pre-election briefings for LBEs on May 12 and June 9.
The board did not take formal action on hiring at the meeting. Chair (speaker 3) praised the office’s existing staff and said the board will continue to support recruitment efforts; the board next meets April 7 at 9 a.m.
The resignation or withdrawal of specific candidates was not detailed in the record, and the administrator said the office will continue recruiting and screening applicants. The office reported discussing health‑insurance availability and other benefits as factors that influence applicants’ decisions.
