Voters to Engage with Board of Education and County Commissioner Candidates at Upcoming Religious Council Forums

Residents of Washington County will have the opportunity to hear from candidates vying for seats on the Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners through a series of free, non-partisan forums. These events, organized by HARC in collaboration with the League of Women Voters and the Washington County Library, are scheduled to take place at the Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown. All candidates for these positions will be invited to participate.

The forums are designed to provide voters with crucial information as they prepare for the 2026 election cycle. The first forum will focus on candidates for the Washington County Board of Education and is slated for Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 8 pm. This event will address the primary election for these positions. Later in the year, voters can attend a forum for the Washington County Board of County Commissioners primary election on Thursday, May 21, also from 6 to 8 pm. As the general election approaches, two additional forums will be held: one for the Board of Education on Thursday, October 1, and another for the Board of County Commissioners on Thursday, October 15, both from 6 to 8 pm. All forums will be held in Rooms 308-309 at the Washington County Free Library, located at 100 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown.

The election of the Washington County Board of Commissioners holds significant importance for county residents, as all five members are elected at large by the voters of the entire county, meaning they represent all citizens rather than specific districts. These commissioners serve four-year terms, and their elections occur during the general election in gubernatorial election years, such as 2026. The Board of County Commissioners is responsible for setting county policy. In the event of a vacancy between elections, the position is typically filled by appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including residency, and must file a Certificate of Candidacy and Financial Disclosure Statement with the Washington County Board of Elections.

Similarly, the structure and election of the Washington County Board of Education are governed by Maryland state law. The Board comprises seven elected members, in addition to a non-voting student representative. These seven members are also elected at large, ensuring representation across the entire county. Elected board members serve four-year staggered terms, commencing on the first Tuesday in December following their election. Their elections coincide with the general election in gubernatorial election years. To be eligible for election, individuals must meet specific qualifications, including residency within Washington County and the State of Maryland for designated periods. Given that the Board of Education members establish policies for the entire county school system, their roles are highly visible and directly impact the quality of public education available to students in Washington County.

Details on local elections, offices and key dates, are in our 2026 voter guide.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from HARC

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