Board approves ballot layout and multiple polling-place moves ahead of May primary

The Erie County Board of Elections voted to approve Resolution 1 of 2026, adopting the ballot layout for the upcoming general primary. The motion to approve the ballot layout was moved, seconded and passed by roll call with all members present voting yes.

The board also considered and approved a series of polling-place changes ahead of the May primary. Key changes approved included moving a combined Harbor Creek precinct (numbers 6 and 7) from the Harbor Creek Township municipal building to South Harbor Creek United Methodist Church to provide more space; moving Bayview 4 from the closed Weiss Library to Walnut Creek Baptist Church because the library is no longer available; and a realignment in Harborcreek Districts 1 and 2 that swaps Faith Lutheran Church and East Lake Road Alliance Church to correct historical mismatches and place precincts within their appropriate districts.

Board members asked staff about voter outreach for those changes; staff said notice options include updated voter ID mailings, postcards (estimated $750–$1,000 to mail postcards for all changes), legal notices, social media and postings at polling districts. Several board members expressed concern about travel distance for some rural voters and asked that staff consider a second notice after the primary if appropriate.

All motions put to the board during the meeting (approval of minutes, Resolution 1 of 2026, and each individual polling-place change discussed) were approved by roll call with the members present recorded as voting yes.