Frostburg Board of Elections names chair, approves calendar and press release ahead of mail‑in city election

Patrick O'Brien, Frostburg City administrator, called a virtual meeting of the Board of Elections to order and led an organizational session focused on preparations for the city’s upcoming mail‑in election.

John O'Rourke, who identified himself as employed by Prosper State University, volunteered to serve as chair and was nominated and confirmed by the board after an unopposed vote. O'Rourke said the meeting would be brief and focused on near‑term approvals.

"I'll do it," O'Rourke said when asked to serve as chair. The board then moved and approved the nomination without objection.

The board reviewed an internal election calendar and a condensed public version that O'Brien said will be released with a press release scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5. "This will go out with a copy of the calendar," O'Brien said, noting that statutory public notices (six weeks and two weeks before the election) will be paid notices in local newspapers.

John O'Rourke moved to approve the Jan. 5 press release as distributed; the motion was seconded and carried. The board also accepted the candidate application documents with a clerical amendment to update the year and approved them for future use. The candidate filing fee was noted as $10.

O'Brien clarified voting procedures for the all‑mail format the city will use: "Everybody in Frostburg will be mailed a ballot," he said, adding that voters may request a replacement ballot and may deposit ballots at the city’s drop box on election day. He summarized key deadlines: candidate filings are due by March 20, and in‑city voter registration forms must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, May 4.

The board reviewed logistics for ballot handling and canvassing. O'Brien described the primary drop box location and security measures: "There is a ballot drop box inside the police department lobby. It is accessible 24/7, and it's monitored by camera and the individual at the desk at the police station," he said. He explained that canvassing requires multiple counts to separate identifying envelopes from ballots and that preliminary results will be posted after the initial count, with final certification following statutory timelines.

Board members discussed scheduling and agreed to aim for an in‑person meeting in late January (around 4:00–4:30 p.m.) to finalize roles and the work plan leading into the election. O'Brien said he would circulate proposed meeting times and a draft agenda by email and reiterated he serves as staff support and does not vote.

Votes at a glance:
• Elect chair: John O'Rourke — motion and unanimous approval (ayes).
• Approve Jan. 5 press release — motion by John O'Rourke, seconded; approved (ayes).
• Accept candidate application documents (with amendment to year) — motion and unanimous approval.

The board adjourned at 6:31 p.m.; O'Brien said he will post meeting times and follow up with materials for the next meeting.