By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
In a continued effort to make elections more secure, the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office is requiring some changes at the Wood County Board of Elections.
Local election directors Terry Burton and Julie Baumgardner went to the Wood County Commissioners Tuesday morning to explain the additional security measures and to ask for funds to cover the expense.
The steps are intended to keep the election ballots, servers and voting machines secure, Burton said. The security measures are to prevent people from outside the office and the staff from accessing and tampering with the equipment.
In 2020, the Wood County Board of Elections added security steps required by the Secretary of State, Burton said. But a recent visit by state officials identified other measures that would make the office more secure.
“We really thought we were pretty set,” Burton said. “But the bottom line is – it’s the Secretary of State’s decision” for the local board of elections.
Burton asked that the media not include the specific equipment that will be installed.
“We tried to identify the most reasonable options,” he told the commissioners.
The total cost for the additional security measures is estimated at $9,810, according to Baumgartner.
The county commissioners were supportive of the steps.
“It’s going to have to be done,” Commissioner Doris Herringshaw said.
The changes are being mandated by the Secretary of State, Commissioner Ted Bowlus confirmed.
“It sounds like we don’t have a choice on it,” Commissioner Craig LaHote said.
