Montgomery County Election Board Meeting – May 18, 2026

The Montgomery County Election Board met on May 18, 2026, at 4:57 PM, with Commissioner Weiner presiding. The board reviewed primary election preparations, approved poll worker and canvas board appointments, heard public comment on ballot issues and an ethics complaint, and debated the appropriateness of a county-sponsored town hall featuring a primary candidate.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the April 23, 2026 meeting.
• Poll Worker Appointments (Section 2675): The board approved the appointment of 12,532 poll workers (including 190 student poll workers) for the 2026 primary election. Motion passed by voice vote with all in favor.
• Canvas Board Appointments (Sections 3146.8 & 3050): The board approved the appointment of individuals named in the “canvaser appointments for the 2026 primary election” document to serve on the mail-in/absentee canvas board and provisional ballot review board for the May 19, 2026 primary. Motion passed by voice vote with all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Montgomery County Republican Committee Representative: Expressed opposition to Commissioner Neil Makita’s use of taxpayer funds to send a text message inviting voters to a campaign call with State Senator Art Haywood, who faces a primary challenger. The representative stated the action “is totally unacceptable” and called for reimbursement and a prohibition on such activity. They also reported that the committee filed an ethics violation with the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission. Additionally, the representative questioned the handling of incorrect mail-in ballots sent to Upper Dublin Township Ward 2, noting over 160 incorrect ballots were sent and new ballots were issued; they asked what happened to the original ballots.
• Joe Rennie: Stated that in Rockledge, an elected Republican judge of elections could not serve for the primary, but a Democrat was appointed without notifying the Republican committee. He argued this was inappropriate and that the party should have been notified. He also echoed concerns about the town hall event, asserting that Commissioner Makita violated ethical conduct rules by using taxpayer money to promote a candidate.
• Adrian Feltzer (via Zoom): Expressed general support for the county’s election outreach and voter services. She praised the training on new electronic poll books, the efficiency of the judges’ supply boxes, and the overall competence of the voter services office. She noted that judges of elections are non-partisan and that outreach helps voters who are unaware of the upcoming primary.

Discussion Items

• Primary Election Preparations Update (Frank Dean):
  • Return Rate: As of the morning of May 18, 79,000 mail-in ballots had been issued and 54,800 returned, a 70% return rate. Drop box usage data was pending later that day.
  • Upper Dublin Ballot Error: Over 160 incorrect mail-in ballots were sent to Ward 2. All incorrect ballots received back have been sequestered, never to be opened or scanned, and will be stored for two years in a separate archive box. Every affected voter received a new ballot, a letter, and an email notification.
  • Judge of Elections Replacement Policy: Frank Dean explained that for a temporary vacancy (the elected judge will return for the general election), the board first offers the position to the majority inspector; if declined, to the minority inspector; and if that is also declined, to the parties for a suggestion. In the Rockledge case, the minority inspector accepted. For a full vacancy, the parties would be notified directly. Commissioner Winder noted that majority and minority inspectors are not always from opposite parties, but the board aims for parity.
• Town Hall Ethics Controversy:
  • Several commissioners and public commenters addressed the text message sent by Commissioner Makita inviting voters to a town hall featuring Senator Art Haywood, who has a primary challenger. The Montgomery County Republican Committee filed an ethics violation, arguing it was a campaign event using public funds.
  • Commissioner Weiner stated he would not comment on the legality since it is before the ethics board, but said the event “gives a bad perception” and urged caution in future town halls to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. He noted that some residents reported not receiving the robocall, raising concerns about partisan targeting.
  • Another commissioner (likely Commissioner DeBello) defended the town halls as nonpartisan voter outreach, conducted similarly in the past and including all board members. He accused the Republican committee of trying to cast doubt on election work and called for raising concerns through proper channels rather than press releases.
  • The solicitor stated that the town hall was simply to provide information to the public and declined further comment.
  • The exchange became heated, with one commissioner accusing another of promoting a candidate and being out of order, while another commissioner urged collegiality and warned against undermining public trust.

Key Outcomes

• Poll Worker and Canvas Board Appointments Approved: All votes were unanimous.
• Primary Election Set for May 19, 2026: The board expressed hope for a smooth election day, with phone support available from 5:00 AM until the last ballot is returned.
• No Formal Action on Ethics Complaint: The board discussed the complaint but took no vote; the solicitor noted the matter is before the state ethics commission. Several commissioners called for a more collaborative approach to addressing future concerns.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned by voice vote with all in favor.