Looking for help

Seneca County Board of Elections members discussed a need for poll workers Wednesday evening. Director Jim Ehrman said 210 poll workers are needed for the May 2 primary election, but only 154 had committed as of Wednesday. Ehrman said poll workers are paid $120 for the day and $20 for training. An additional $10 can be earned by completing online training. He said more poll workers are needed by the end of this month. "Come grab a front row seat to the election," Ehrman said. "See what the process is really like." Board member David Koehl said he has heard comments about problems with the election process and said people making those comments should be part of the process. Ehrman said groups of workers could pool money earned on Election Day and use it as a fundraiser. Board President Jim Fruth said he would talk to local attorneys to see if they would be interested in raising money for Lady Justice, a statue that could be installed on the cupola tower of the joint justice center. Seneca County Board of Commissioners allocated $54,000 last month for new electronic poll books. Board members said the books will change the training process, but should improve the efficiency of post-election work. "There are some processes we have to relearn," he said. "It's not hard, it's just change." For information on becoming a poll worker, call (419) 447-4424 or visit the board's office, 71 S. Washington St. In other business, board members discussed work being done by Sentinel Career and Technology Center students to design the front service desk for the board's relocation to the County Services Building. Ehrman said he and Deputy Director Lori Ritzler are to meet with County Administrator Stacy Wilson and County Commissioner Holly Stacy today to discuss designs. Tim Monaco, of Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted's office, said discussions are under way about the future of voting machines. He said there is no bill proposed in the Ohio General Assembly, but discussions between county governments and representatives of the state are about what percentage the state might reimburse for voting machines. He said talks were in the beginning stages. Board member Mike Bridinger said the project would be expensive and could cost Seneca County about $1 million. Wilson said the county has $500,000 set aside for the project. In other news, the board set 5:10 p.m. May 15 for its final count of the primary election.