Portage County Elections Board Removes Sheriff's Department from Election Security Amid Intimidation Concerns

On Friday, following a contentious social media post by Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski, the Portage County Board of Elections voted to remove the Portage County Sheriff's department from providing security during in-person absentee voting.

Controversial Remarks Spark Concerns

The post in question suggested that addresses of individuals displaying Kamala Harris yard signs should be recorded, with the implication that immigrants could be relocated to those residences in the event of a Democratic election victory. The remarks raised concerns of perceived intimidation against certain voters.

Randi Clites, the chair of the Portage County Democrats, emphasized the need to ensure the safety of every voter in the county, regardless of their political affiliations. Clites stated, “I believe walking into a voting location where a sheriff deputy can be seen may discourage voters from entering.” As a result, the board is exploring alternative security options, including private security already in place at the administration building or enlisting the Ravenna police to provide security.

Reaction to the Sheriffs Remarks

Bruce Zuchowski's post included a screenshot of a Fox News segment criticizing President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris over immigration, where he likened individuals in the U.S. illegally to “human locusts.” His subsequent suggestion to record addresses of people with Harris yard signs sparked outrage, with local Democrats, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, and Republican Governor Mike DeWine expressing concern over the comments.

Election Security Measures

In light of the controversy, the Portage County Board of Elections took decisive action to prioritize the safety and security of voters during the upcoming elections. With the aim of mitigating any potential intimidation, the board voted 3-1 to remove the Portage County Sheriff's department from its role in providing security during in-person absentee voting.

Randi Clites, chair of the board, cited the need to ensure that every voter in Portage County feels safe casting their vote, regardless of their chosen candidate. The decision reflects a commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and fostering a welcoming environment for all voters. The board is actively exploring alternative security arrangements, considering the option of utilizing private security already stationed at the administration building or seeking assistance from the Ravenna police department to provide security during the voting process.

Community Standpoint

The remarks made by Sheriff Zuchowski triggered a strong response from various community members and organizations. A meeting organized by the NAACP of Portage County witnessed approximately 150 attendees expressing their concerns and fears regarding the impact of the sheriff's comments on the upcoming elections.

Response from Officials

Local Democrats promptly filed complaints with the Ohio secretary of state and other relevant agencies, seeking accountability for the controversial statements. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio accused Zuchowski of making an unconstitutional “impermissible threat”