WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. -- Gun permit applications are on the rise in Westmoreland County and officials said it may have something to do with the presidential election.

Since November, the sheriff's office has issued 473 new permits. In November of last year, only 134 permits were issued.

Since last January, there has been a 36 percent increase in the number of permits approved in Westmoreland County.

County officials believe some residents fear that gun laws will change under President-elect Barack Obama’s administration.

The sheriff said the growing number of permit requests is a concern.

"A total of 43,000 people in Westmoreland County have concealed-carry permits. In a county of 320,000, possibly one in nine people have a protection permit," said Sheriff Chris Scherer.

Statistics indicate that one in 20 residents in Allegheny County has a concealed-gun permit.