Last week, the Ohio Senate passed a bill which would allow Cuyahoga County to start scanning-in primary ballots before the polls close on March 4th --- the thought being that this would help speed up the vote count for the high profile primary. But, over the weekend, the Plain Dealer reported that Board of Elections Director Jane Platten had concerns that this new procedure could add unneeded burdens to the process. Speaking for the Secretary of State, Jeff Ortega says Jennifer Brunner would not impose this plan on the Election Board.
ORTEGA: The "mid-day pick-up", if passed, would be an option for Cuyahoga County. This office worked with the Senate to include this in a bill that's making its way through the legislature. It would be an option.
The Ohio House is due to vote on the "midday scan" option in the next week. A local Election Board spokesperson reports that Jane Platten will reserve further judgment until the proposal is finalized.
