Commissioner Burke Gives Overview of Election Day

The Blair County Board of Elections convened at approximately 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5, to begin the process of canvassing mail-in ballots.

This process went smoothly until approximately 6:50 p.m. when a bomb threat was received, affecting the Elections Office.

Emergency protocols were enacted. Commissioner Laura Burke and Solicitor Chris Furman remained at the Elections Office to maintain custody of the mail-in ballots.

Once the building was cleared by the Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, canvassing was able to resume. County employees worked hard to ensure timely and accurate election results.

Due to the timing of the threat, precinct poll workers were diverted to the Blair County Convention Center.

Many thanks to the Convention Center staff, the IT and Highway Department staff, the Blair County Sheriff’s Office, Hollidaysburg Police, Allegheny Township Police and Fire Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Blair County Emergency Management for their assistance and support.