Things are heating up both figuratively and literally for the Erie County Board of Elections.
A fire that took place in their headquarters less than two weeks ago has made things more hectic in preparing for Tuesday's state primary. Despite the obstacles, Erie Democratic Commissioner of Elections Len Lenihan said everything should be business as usual for voters.
"We've been misplaced basically for the next four months," said Lenihan. "The primary and the general election will be carried out while we're in the Rath Building, which is a first. We've never had a situation where we've had to get up and move our entire operation so close to an election. In this case it was ten days out. Everything is done and prepared and we are ready to go."
Lenihan says the fire could have been a lot worse and did not interrupt the business of the election, just the people working it.
The voter turnout is expected to be sporadic considering the amount of uncontested races, but much is still undecided. Erie Republican Commissioner of Elections Ralph Mohr said there are close battles for both parties heading into Tuesday night.
"On the Republican side there's Kevin Stocker and Chris Jacobs vying for the 60th Senate seat," said Mohr. In the District Attorney's race there are three democrats running in the primary. Mark Sacha, (Michael) Flaherty, and (John) Flynn and that's going to be a very important race on the democrats side."
Polls in Erie will be open from 6 AM to 9 PM. The election forecast is sunny with temperatures in the 80's.
