Montco to cut number of polling places

EAGLEVILLE Montgomery County officials will reduce the number of polling places by about 60% for the June 2 primary under a proposed plan drafted in response to the COVID-19 outbreak that continues to grip the region.

“This means instead of 352 polling locations there will be 140 locations,” county Commissioner Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. said during a Monday news briefing at the county Emergency Operation Center. “Most polling locations will host three or more precincts in one location.”

Lawrence said county officials will vote on the proposal and formalize it at a meeting later this month.

“This proposed plan will move all polling locations into public schools for the primary election only. Since normal school operations are suspended for the remainder of the year, school buildings provide a space that provides the least chance of exposure to any individual not directly involved in the election day activities,” Lawrence explained.

“School buildings are also uniquely equipped to handle the amount of voters we may see on election day and provide adequate parking and space for social distancing. After the election, all buildings will be sanitized and left in the same condition as prior to Election Day.”

Lawrence said county officials have discussed the plan with the superintendents of the school districts. “As required by law, county representatives have started posting notices on the doors of and at areas close to each polling location to alert the public of the proposed changes,” Lawrence said.

Once the plan is approved, expected at a May 11 meeting, a letter explaining the changes will be mailed to every voter impacted by the changes, Lawrence said.

The changes also will be published on the county Voter Ser

“This proposed plan will move all polling locations into public schools for the primary election only.” — Montgomery County Commissioner Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr.

vices website at www.montcopa.org/voterservices

In March, Gov. Tom Wolf, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, signed legislation allowing counties to consolidate up to 60% of polling places to reduce the number of poll workers needed for the primary election.

County officials previously said the pandemic presented challenges for election officials regarding the number of polling places and the number of poll workers available to man the precincts.

Many of the county’s traditional polling places were located in long-term care facilities or other senior centers, particularly hard hit by the virus and which are not available for use during the pandemic.

Additionally, many poll workers declined to participate in the primary out of fear of placing themselves at risk for the virus, officials said.

So county officials said they had to draft an alternate plan for the primary that would allow for social distancing and safe in-person voting procedures.

Lawrence said the proposed plan will allow the county to have an adequate number of poll workers at each location.

“Clearly, this will not be a normal election, and we will be taking every precaution we can to protect our citizens, both voters and poll workers. Our poll workers will be provided masks and gloves. We will have face shields available for those poll workers who are required to interact more directly with the public,” Lawrence said.

“Voting equipment will be sanitized prior to the opening of the polls and on a regular basis throughout the day. Floors and areas where lines could occur will be marked to remind those of the adequate space required for social distancing.”

Voters will be asked to bring their own pens and to wear masks to the polling places.

“Hand sanitizer will be provided at all of the polling places,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence added that those who are uncomfortable with voting in-person June 2 can still go to www. votespa.com to request a mail-in ballot. Pennsylvania now allows for no excuse vote by mail.

The deadline to apply to vote by mail is May 26, and the ballot must be returned to voter services by 8 p.m. June 2.

“This is the safest way to protect yourself, your neighbors and our poll workers while you exercise your right to vote,” Lawrence said.

The last day to register to vote for the primary is May 18.