Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinions of The Reporter, its publisher or its staff. You can submit your own Letter to the Editor by email to News@ReadTheReporter.com.
Dear Editor:
I requested that the Hamilton County Election Board request permission from the State Election Board to conduct the May Primary as a 100 percent vote by mail effort to protect the lives of all poll workers and voters in view of the coronavirus.
As the county Democratic Chairman, I strongly feel this action by the county would ensure we do have a safe primary and that in fact we have a primary. We need to just look at how Ohio today delayed its primary until June.
Both the Democratic and Republican state parties have asked the State Board to relax absentee ballots.
By asking and starting this process now the county can prevent massive possible disruptions in the May primary. Things to consider:
- The ban on group meetings is being expanded by the federal government until later in the summer and beyond the May primary date. It is also possible that the group limit could be as low as 10 people. That would impact many polling stations.
- Many poll workers are over 65 and as a result of medical concern could pull out of working the polls, leaving many poll places without adequate staff.
- Some polling locations may all of sudden close and no longer be available at the last minute.
- If the state relaxes the absentee rules, individual requests could overload the Election Office system.
Actions:
- By mailing absentee ballots to all voters in the county the Election Office does not need to mail out polling station change notices to many effected voters.
- The Election Office will not have to check each absentee request to confirm they are registered and then to mail them a ballot on an individual basis.
- These actions would ensure the May primary can be undertaken with the least amount of disruption.
Joe Weingarten
County Democratic Party Chair