Wayne BOE named Ohio Board of the Year

The Wayne County Board of Elections has been named the 2024 Ohio Board of the Year by Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a distinction presented at the secretary’s recent annual statewide elections conference in Columbus.

As one of Ohio’s 88 county election boards, Wayne County’s board is entrusted with maintaining voter registration rolls, distributing ballots (both absentee and in‑person), operating precincts on election days, safeguarding vote tabulation and certifying results. They also conduct candidate filing and campaign finance oversight and ensure polling place accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

Wayne County Board of Elections Director Julie Leathers Stahl, Deputy Director Bryon Bell, and their bipartisan team of election specialists and seasonal poll workers are regularly commended for their logistical planning, commitment and work ethic. Election planning begins four months before each Election Day, and staff must finish tabulation no more than 60 days afterward, according to Ohio law.

“Once early voting begins, staff work up to 12 hours per day and weekends,” Stahl said. “There is a lot of time that goes into Election Day, thousands of hours.”

On election nights the board’s core staff and volunteers routinely work long shifts — often 18-20 hours continuously — to meet tight statutory deadlines and certify results. Their efforts ensure every precinct report count is punctual and accurate.

LaRose has emphasized the crucial partnership between his office and county boards in safeguarding election integrity. LaRose describes running elections as “a military operation: complex, high stakes and requiring meticulous planning.”

Wayne County’s board was singled out as a model for effective coordination including the execution of early-voting strategies, the securing of cyber defenses and working with local law enforcement.

According to Bell, one of the reasons the board was chosen was due to transparency, innovation and public outreach. Last year Bell conducted a five-part Voter Academy series of presentations geared toward explaining how the election process works, security measures and how his board repeatedly receives 100% accuracy in post-election audits.

“As public workers, much of the work we do is unrecognized. To receive public recognition is an incredible feeling,” Bell said. “But to receive that recognition from election professionals at the secretary’s office is profoundly rewarding.”

Another component of the Wayne County Board of Elections’ continued success is the appointed board members Ann Obrecht, Elizabeth Sheets, Charlie Hardman and K. William Bailey. These party-appointed officials play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity, transparency and smooth operation of all elections within the county. Their leadership guides the work of the board of elections staff and ensures compliance with state and federal election laws.

“Receiving this award was truly a team effort, from the board to the poll workers and everyone in between,” Stahl said. “It takes the entire team to get to the point where we can do what must happen on Election Day. It takes months of preparation and also months to conclude an election. I am humbled and proud that Secretary LaRose chose us for this award.”

The Wayne County Board of Elections’ recognition underscores the effort between local and state election officials in Ohio, uniting preparation, technological modernization and dedication for one purpose: fair, accessible, secure and accurate elections.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.