March 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes

HAMILTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
MEETING HELD
MARCH 8, 2022 at 8:30AM

The meeting of the Hamilton County Board of Elections was called to order at 8:30am. Present were members Ms. McFarlin, Mr. Triantafilou, Mr. Gerhardt and Mr. Mallory. Also present: Director Sherry Poland and Deputy Director Alex Linser; David Stevenson with the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s office.

It was noted that proper notice was duly provided as required by O.R.C. 121.22. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

I. APPROVE: BOARD MEETING MINUTES: FEBRUARY 11, 2022

Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to approve the Board Meeting Minutes for February 11, 2022; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

II. STATE-WIDE CANDIDATE PETITION ANOMALY

This matter was continued from the previous Board meeting on February 11, 2022. A subpoena was issued to the circulator of the part-petitions in question. The situation involved three separate part-petitions where part-petition #67940 and #67941 appeared to include exact copies of the front page of part-petition #67939. The circulator and her attorney were present pursuant to subpoena.

Mr. Gallagher, attorney for the circulator, Ms. Fisher, addressed the Board, providing information and explanation as to the circumstances; a discussion ensued. The consensus of the Board was that no further action was required.

III. CERTIFICATION: PARTISAN CANDIDATE PETITIONS TO THE MAY 3, 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOT: U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, STATE HOUSE, STATE SENATE, STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

The Board was advised of multiple spreadsheets (identified as follows) for consideration:
1. Sufficient: Staff reviewed petitions and found to be sufficient; recommends certification
Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to certify these candidates to the May 3, 2022 Primary Election ballot; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Insufficient: Staff reviewed petitions and found to be insufficient; failed to have the required number of signatures; recommends petitions not be certified.
Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to accept staff recommendation and reject these petitions; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3. Rejected: Candidate filed for State Representative on March 4, 2022; the deadline was February 2, 2022. Staff recommends rejecting this petition.
Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to accept the staff recommendation and reject this petition; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Board Review: Two candidates’ part petitions: one in which the election date was omitted; one in which the election date was incorrect. Mr. Stevenson advised the Board that this is not a fatal flaw.
Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to approve these candidate petitions; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

IV. CERTIFICATION: WRITE-IN CANDIDATES TO THE MAY 3, 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOT

The Board was advised of spreadsheets (identified as follows) for consideration:

1. Sufficient: Two candidates; Staff recommends approval of these write-in candidates.
Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to certify these candidates to the May 3, 2022 Primary Ballot; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

2. Insufficient: Write-In candidate for State Central Committee, an office wherein write-in candidates are not permitted; Staff recommends rejection.
Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to reject this write-in candidate; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

3. 2022 Republican County Central Committee – Staff recommends approval of these write-in candidates.
Mr. Mallory made a motion to approve these write-in candidates; Mr. Triantafilou seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

4. 2022 Democratic County Central Committee – Staff recommends approval of these write-in candidates.
Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to approve these write-in candidates; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

V. DISCUSSION: CAMPAIGNING DURING EARLY VOTING PERIOD

Ms. Poland advised the Board of a letter and a map, drafted by Staff with regard to campaigning during early voting period. It is the intention to revise some of the protocols with campaigning at the Board and the Early Voting Center during early voting period. This includes breaking down the permitted areas into smaller, more spread-out areas; not permitting affixing signs or banners to BOE property; not permitting tents or canopies and not permitting bullhorns, loudspeakers or other sound amplification devices. It is the intention of Staff to distribute the letter and map to all candidates for the upcoming Primary Election and to seek the assistance of the political parties in getting the message to involved parties.

Mr. Linser advised the Board of the research and site visits conducted by him and Ms. Poland which helped to inform this plan. A discussion ensued among the Board members with a consensus in favor of the plan. No further action was required by the Board.

VI. PERSONNEL MATTER

The Board was advised of several new additions to the BOE Staff:
Hayley Dressler Absentee Voting Specialist
Karen McDaniel Administrative Associate
Marjorie Moseley Registration Official

Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to approve the appointments of the new employees; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

VII. RESOLUTION: AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF BALLOTSYNC SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (22-003)

The Board was advised that BallotSync is a software application that will assist in communicating with overlapping district counties.

Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to adopt Resolution #22-003; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

VIII. OTHER BUSINESS

Ms. Poland provided an update on the redistricting process.

There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Triantafilou made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Mallory seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

APPROVED: APRIL 12, 2022

CHAIR: GWEN MCFARLIN

DIRECTOR: SHERRY L. POLAND