Senate Passes Gavarone Bill Protecting Election Officials

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 173, sponsored by State Senators Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) and Bill DeMora (D-Columbus). The bipartisan bill will help protect Ohio's election officials by preventing their residential and family information from appearing in public records.

"Our election officials keep our democratic republic running smoothly and efficiently, but they are facing real dangers to their personal safety," Gavarone said. "One of my own local Board of Elections members has faced threats himself, including a threat of a mass shooting at one of their polling locations. This legislation will help keep these people safe as they do their imperative work."

The legislation will add election officials to the list of public service workers whose addresses and family information are redacted from public records requests, safeguarding them and their loved ones. 

Threats have grown against election workers across the country. Last year, election offices in five states received letters laced with fentanyl and calls to end elections. A recent poll by the Brennan Center for Justice found that more than a third of surveyed local election officials "have experienced threats, harassment or abuse due to their jobs."

Senate Bill 173 now goes to the Ohio House for consideration.