3 Things You Need to Know:
Another Perfect Audit: The Ohio Secretary of State’s office has earned another perfect audit from the Ohio Auditor of State. It’s a great reflection of our team’s commitment to accountability and careful stewardship of Ohioans’ resources. Read the full audit report here.
Absentee Application Deadline is October 27: Absentee ballot applications must be received by your county board of elections no later than 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, for the November 3 General Election. Visit VoteOhio.gov for more information.
Keeping Ohio's Businesses Cyber Safe: The Ohio Secretary of State's office hosted its seventh free cybersecurity training this week in Marietta as part of the "Are You Cyber Safe: Cybersecurity Basics for Small Businesses" initiative to arm small and medium-sized businesses with the resources they need to protect themselves from the growing threat of cybercrimes. The conference series, which started in 2024, has now reached every region across Ohio. Secretary LaRose moderated a panel of industry experts from The Ohio State University, InTrust IT, and Kinetic Networking.
REMINDER: THERE ARE CONVENIENT WEEKEND EARLY VOTING HOURS TOMORROW FROM 8AM - 4PM
Verify Ohio Weekly Update:
Question:
Is there a way to track my absentee ballot?
Let's Verify:
Yes! You can track your absentee ballot just like a package at VoteOhio.gov/Track! If you have questions about your absentee ballot, contact your board of elections here.
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Updates From Across Ohio
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose joined White House National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross and utility and cybersecurity leaders for a roundtable hosted by AEP Ohio and Dragos in New Albany. The discussion focused on cyber threats facing Ohio’s utility systems and how public and private partners can work together to protect critical infrastructure.
Secretary LaRose dropped by the Franklin County Board of Elections this week to cast his early, in-person ballot. During the visit he had the opportunity to thank the many hardworking election officials working to deliver another secure and accessible election!
Secretary LaRose moderated the panel presentation at "Are You Cyber Safe? Cybersecurity Basics For Small Businesses." Held at Marietta College, the event brought together owners of small and medium-sized businesses from across southeast Ohio to gain valuable insights from a variety of cybersecurity experts.
Secretary of State Frank LaRose toured the Cuyahoga Gorge Dam cleanup site in Akron with leaders from the U.S. EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Sevenson Construction. The removal of an estimated 865,200 cubic yards of contaminated sediment is one phase of the effort to take down the unneeded dam, restore the Cuyahoga River’s natural flow, and reduce risks to people and wildlife. As a state senator, LaRose convened state, federal, local, and industry leaders to begin the discussions that laid the groundwork for this project.
Secretary of State Frank LaRose toured the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters' Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in Columbus during its annual open house. He met with apprentices and instructors to see firsthand how the next generation of skilled, union tradesmen and women are learning their craft.
Southern Ohio Regional Liaison Jordan Leatherwood was a judge at the Pike County Career Technology Center’s annual chili cook-off. Congratulations to Mr. Day and the Carpentry Program for taking home 1st place!
West Central Regional liaison Brian Metzbower presented a proclamation to Deba Uwadiae (center-left), publisher and editor-in-chief of New Americans Magazine, to celebrate the publication's 10th anniversary.
Northeast Regional Liaison Dustin Russell presented a proclamation on behalf of Secretary LaRose, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of GESU Church and School located in University Heights.
In Case You Missed It:
LaRose’s Plan Helps Celebrate First-Time Voters
Have you ever gone to a major theme park and been given a button to wear that says "First visit!" or some other form of celebration for the occasion? Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has a similar idea in mind when it comes to those about to cast their first ballots.
Ohio Secretary of State Urges Voters to Turn in Mail-in Ballots
“Every voice matters,” LaRose said. “Every vote matters. And as long as you’re a registered voter in the state of Ohio, we’re going to make sure that you’re able to cast your ballot.”