The polls for the May Primary open Tuesday at 7 a.m. Nominations for mayor, city council, school board, and more are up for grabs.

Campaign signs have littered sidewalks in Altoona. There are a number of hotly contested races, including the one for Blair County Sheriff.

The seat became open following the retirement of Mitch Cooper.

Former police officer Sam McClure and long-time Duncansville Police Chief Jim Ott are vying to take over the position.

“I do think I have a good working relationship administrative wise. A good working relationship with the community. I think bringing that to the county level to me is obviously going to be a challenge to anybody coming in. Sheriff Cooper did an outstanding job,” said Ott.

McClure was serving as acting sheriff but was stripped of his duties after a sexual harassment claim was brought against him. He said the accusation was politically motivated.

“There are no issues with the courthouse or any personnel there. I am a retired police officer, I am running my campaign fully every day and there will be no issues going into that courthouse and working as sheriff of Blair County,” said McClure.

This race will likely determine the next Blair County Sheriff. Ott and McClure are running as republicans. There are no democrats running for nomination.