In response to poll worker and voter safety concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, Montgomery County officials have announced that the county’s 352 polling locations will be consolidated for the primary election that will be held on June 2.

Earlier this month, the Montgomery County Board of Elections amended the Pennsylvania Election Code to operate 140 polling locations, all of which will be moved into public schools for primary election only.

“We are doing everything we can to hold a safe election for those who want to work at the polls and vote in-person,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., Montgomery County Board of Elections Chair. “School buildings provide a space for minimal exposure for voters, adequate parking, and space for social distancing.”

Following Election Day, school buildings will be sanitized. Throughout the day, voting equipment will be sanitized, hand sanitizers will be available, and markers will be set to help voters maintain social distancing.

“To help minimize exposure and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the polls, we are asking voters to wear protective face masks and bring their own black pen,” said Lawrence. “Voters who don’t feel comfortable casting their ballot in-person can apply for a mail-in ballot.”