Jenny Coleman, last week's program host AND a Master Gardner, shares the bounty from her garden with her neighbors and co-workers.  Thanks for spreading happiness in the world!

 

Our speaker, Alex Pavloff, the regional liaison for Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, shared with us what Ohio is doing to make sure our elections run smoothly this fall.  In February of 2019, the staff acknowledged the need for a higher level of cyber security.  As a result, Boards of Election have undergone updates for procedure testing, phishing training, email protocols, etc.  Ohioans can be assured of safe, secure voting, whether in person, or by mail.

 

The pandemic created a need for COVID-19 protections for all involved with the voting process.  Ohio has secured masks, face shields, gowns and gloves for poll workers.  Hand sanitizer (hopefully UNSCENTED!) will be readily available because the average age of today's poll workers is 61 years old!

 

There is an active effort to recruit younger persons to help at the polling places.  Veterans throughout Ohio are being asked to help through an effort called "Defend Democracy."  "Youth at the Booth" recruits high school students age 17 or older to help on voting day.  "Work a Day Donate Your Pay" occurs when the workers donate their poll work pays to a charitable organization.  CPAs, attorneys and realtors are among the professions receiving credit for time spent working at the polls.  To contact the Summit County Board of Elections, call 330-643-5200 or e-mail them at Summit@sos.state.oh.us.

 

Please be sure to vote EARLY, if voting by mail.  Request an absentee ballot and return it EARLY.  As always, it is imperative that ALL ballots be counted timely and accurately.  Also, the Early Vote Location for Summit County is 500 Grant Street, Akron, Ohio 44311

 

Additional questions, comments, etc. can be directed to Pavloff@ohiosos.gov.