BOARD OF ELECTIONS

In 1891, the Ohio General Assembly created the county board of elections and gave it the authority to supervise and conduct elections.  The board originally consisted of four qualified voters in the county appointed by the probate judge.  Two members were appointed for one year while the remaining two members served two year terms.  The secretary of state, acting in his capacity as chief election official, was given the authority to appoint members to the board in 1929.  Currently, on the first day of March in even numbered years, he appoints two members to a four year term, one each from the political parties which case the highest and the next highest number of votes for the office of governor in the preceding election. Board members, throughout their term, are subject to summary removal by the secretary of state for neglect of duty, misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance.

Within five days after the secretary of state has made these appointments, the board is required to organize by selecting a chairman and a resident elector as clerk.  The clerk of the board is responsible for keeping a record of the board’s proceedings and any other records pertaining to registration, primaries, and elections.

          (Source: Ohio County Records Manual, Revised Edition. Ohio History Society aka Ohio History Connection)


Registration Cards                Contact the Board of Elections

Absentee Lists                        1975-11/7/89