Gavarone, DeMora Propose Bill Protecting Election Officials

COLUMBUS—State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) and State Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) introduced Senate Bill 173, a bipartisan proposal to protect Ohio's election officials. The bill prevents their residential and family information from being included in public records.

"Election officials are the backbone of our electoral process," Gavarone said. "Unfortunately, we live in a politically charged world and bad actors, regardless of political party, have been known to lash out at these workers who are only interested in helping ensure our elections run smoothly. Senate Bill 173 will keep them and their families safe while they work to maintain Ohio’s reputation for running the most secure elections in the country."

“Election workers have increasingly been the targets of threats by extremists and this is the least that we can do to ensure their safety,” said DeMora. “Election workers should be able to do their job without the worry of harassment and assault.”

The legislation will include election officials on the list of public service workers. This classification ensures information on their residences and families are redacted from public records before their release, safeguarding them and their loved ones.