Board of Elections

Biography

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 the 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, the secretary of state appoints two members to a four-year term, one from each of the political parties which cast 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 chair 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.

The responsibilities and duties of the board of elections include receiving and canvassing voting returns, certifying an abstract to the secretary of state, and issuing certificates of election. The board also is empowered by general statute to establish and define election precincts, fix places of registration, review and certify the validity of petitions and nominating papers, maintain poll books and tally sheets, and investigate all irregularities in elections.

The Greene County Board of Elections oversees the elections process in Greene County and provides the following services:

*Hiring poll workers and ensuring they are trained; *Prepare election ballots; *Test electronic, election booths; *Voter registration;

The Board of Elections also compiles and maintains election statistics, political party records, and other election-related records.

Found in 20 Collections and/or Records: