Two Palmerton voting districts will have a new polling place location in the May primary.

On Thursday, the Carbon County Election Board voted to approve a location change for Palmerton Middle District 48 and Palmerton West District 49. The two districts move from the Palmerton Borough Garage to the Sokol Hall Club, 452 Lehigh Ave.

The move comes after Palmerton election officials approached the board earlier this year to ask for a change in venue. The reasons included lack of handicap accessibility and heat, a tripping hazard due to placing a runner over a gutter in the building floor and poor lighting.

At the time, it was suggested that the Sokol Hall be contacted.

Palmerton Business Manager Donna McGarry, who was present at the meeting on Thursday, said she felt it was a good move.

“I believe that it is good for the voters and for our public works department,” she said, noting that these two districts have been moved in the past from the borough fire department due to challenges and now hopefully this move will be a nice location and meet the voters’ needs.

In other election matters, Carol Etheridge, assistant election director, said that there are several poll worker vacancies, including election judges in Kidder Township South and Lower Towamensing North.

“If you’re interested in serving on Election Day, it’s a long day, but we really do value our judges and our poll workers,” Etheridge said.

If anyone is interested in becoming a poll worker, they should call the elections office at 570-325-4801.

In addition, Etheridge said that there are 121 seats up for election for the upcoming primary on May 16.

She encouraged anyone who is interested in running for office to stop by the elections office and pick up a nomination petition. Petitions can begin to be circulated on Feb. 14.

The elections office is at 44 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe.

For more information on election dates or other forms, visit the Carbon County website and click on Departments and Elections.