Signs are posted around the community to remind residents to vote in the August elections for the OPA Board of Directors.

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(Aug. 17, 2023) The election for three seats on the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors seems to be running smoothly over the past week after a rocky start.

Election Trust, the Washington State company that was hired to run the elections, did not mail ballots within the agreed upon timeframe, causing the board to move the dates back two weeks for gathering and counting the ballots and hosting the annual board meeting.

As of Monday evening, 2,663 ballots had been counted, according to Tom Piatti, the chair of the Elections Committee.

Piatti and committee member George Alston pick up ballots from the drop box every Monday at noon and deliver them to the FedEx near the Salisbury Airport for next day delivery.

“Last year, 2,906 ballots were counted. With a week to go, we are hoping to exceed last year’s voter participation,” Piatti said.

The ballot drop box at the Ocean Pines Police Station will be available until 4 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the police station. These ballots will be shipped via overnight delivery to the elections contractor.

Residents are encouraged to use the ballot drop box.

Piatti said it takes five days for ballots to reach Washington State through the mail.  Homeowners who live out of the area are encouraged to mail their ballots as soon as possible to ensure they are counted.

Ballots will be counted on Aug. 24.

The annual meeting is scheduled for Aug. 26, 9 a.m. at the Club House Meeting Room. All residents will need a valid photo ID to get into the meeting. Either a driver’s license or membership ID with photo are acceptable forms of identification