DeMora Celebrates Passage of Election Worker Protection Bill

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) celebrated the passage of Senate Bill 173, bipartisan legislation with state Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), which would prevent the residential and familial information of election workers from being disclosed as a public record. 

“With a contentious election ahead this November, it is more important than ever that we protect those who protect our democracy,” said DeMora. “Just this month, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections was struck by gunfire, on top of numerous other threats against Ohio election officials. Senate Bill 173 creates a necessary safeguard for the hardworking folks that protect our elections.”

S.B. 173 would add election officials to the list of designated public service workers whose residential and familial information are exempt from disclosure as a public record. Public service workers currently designated under the law include law enforcement and first responders, judges, prosecutors, and certain medical and social workers.

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