Portage County Board of Elections strips sheriff of election security responsibility after social media post

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

1 2 minutes read

Portage County Board of Elections strips sheriff of election security responsibility after social media post

PORTAGE COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) – The Portage County Sheriff's Office has been removed from providing election security for in-person absentee voting after a social media post from the sheriff went viral last weekend.

According to Board of Elections Chairwoman Randi Clites, a motion was filed Friday morning to eliminate the sheriff's department and the motion passed 3-1.

This motion will eliminate the presence of the Sheriff's Office at the Ravenna Board of Elections office for all early voting and mail-in voting.

President Clites also issued the following statement regarding the motion:

As board members, we are charged with preventing violence and unrest at polling places and ensuring a safe and secure election process. It is clear from public comments over the past week that our sheriff has perceived some intimidation toward some voters.

While it is not my place to comment on the sheriff’s comments, I feel it is my duty to do everything in my power to ensure that every voter in Portage County feels safe when casting their ballot for the candidate of their choice. I believe that entering a polling place where a deputy sheriff can be seen may discourage voters from entering.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Members of Parliament who have ensured the safety of our board, staff and constituents throughout the election process. I do not believe for a second that any Member of Parliament would not continue to provide that level of service during this election cycle, but not all citizens or constituents have had the same opportunity to build a level of trust with our Members of Parliament.

The move comes less than a week after Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski posted a message on social media saying, in part, that he would “take down all the addresses of the people who detained her.” [Vice President Kamala Harris’] signs in their yards!

After receiving backlash from the Portage County community and beyond, Sheriff Zuchowski posted another message on social media.

According to President Clites, the electoral board will use either private security services or the Ravenna police department to provide security during early voting and mail-in voting.

It's not yet clear whether the sheriff will provide security at polling places on Election Day, but 19 News has reached out to the Portage County Board of Elections for details.

19 News has reached out to Sheriff Zuchowski for comment but has not yet received a response.