Working Collaboratively with Ohio's Election Officials
This week, election officials from each of Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections traveled to Columbus for the Annual Summer Elections Conference hosted by the Secretary of State Frank LaRose. New election officials worked with their peer mentors in a voting scenario tabletop exercise, and expert panelists briefed attendees on a wide range of topics including cybersecurity, poll worker recruitment and retention, and ADA accessibility.
The Summer Conference also provided an opportunity to recognize those individuals who went above and beyond this election. This year’s awardees are as follows:
2020 Pat Wolfe Election Official of the Year
- Republican Recipient: Melanie Gilders, Director, Fulton County Board of Elections
- Democratic Recipient: Lori Ritzler, Director, Seneca County Board of Elections
2020 Precinct Election Official of the Year
- Republican Recipient: Sam Robinson, Miami County
- Democratic Recipient: Kathleen Bradley, Cuyahoga County
National Association of Secretaries of State John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
Leonte Cooper, Pre-Law student at The Ohio State University
Ohio National Guard Voting Assistance Officer Recognition Award
Captain Michael Walter, Company Commander for Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment
Board of the Year
Delaware County Board of Elections
Fighting HR 1
Secretary LaRose offered proponent testimony to the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee Tuesday in support of HCR 5, a resolution urging Congress to vote against HR 1 and keep the responsibility of running of elections to the states, where it constitutionally belongs. Watch his full remarks here.
WATCH: Secretary LaRose testifies before the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee
Sharing Our Communications Strategies Nationally
Secretary LaRose joined Secretaries of State from around the country on a call hosted by the National Association of Secretaries of State. On the call, Secretary LaRose detailed the communication best practices Ohio deployed to help make 2020 the most successful election in Ohio history. Ohio stood out this year nationally for its success in recruiting poll workers, driving record voter turnout, and dispelling disinformation around elections.
Secretary LaRose presents Ohio best practices to the National Association of Secretaries of State
Important Election Dates & Reminders:
- August 3rd: Special Election Day. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- October 4th: Deadline for voter registration for the Nov. 2 general election
- November 2nd: General Election Day. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Additional Meetings:
On Friday, the Secretary participated in a Strength Through Partnership Pastors Roundtable discussion with faith leaders from the Canton area. The meeting was the latest in a continued statewide effort to collaborate with leaders in the African American community, listen to their issues and concerns, and ensure their voices help inform state election policies and practices.
Secretary LaRose hosts a Strength Through Partnership Roundtable in Canton
Also on Friday, Secretary LaRose met with labor leaders with the East Central Business and Construction Trades Council to discuss how the state can continue to collaborate with Ohio’s trade unions to create jobs and improve the lives of Ohioans.
Secretary LaRose meets with leaders from the East Central Business and Construction Trades Council