Ohio Sheriff’s Office Removed from Election Security Role After Facebook Post

An Ohio sheriff’s recent Facebook posts concerning Vice President Kamala Harris, campaign signage, and migrants have resulted in his department being barred from providing election security during in-person absentee voting at the Board of Elections office. The Portage County Board of Elections took this step to ensure that the upcoming November elections are “free of any concerns of intimidation,” as stated by board member Randi Clites in a social media update.

Clites emphasized the board’s responsibility to prevent violence and disorder at polling places, highlighting a perceived intimidation from Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski against specific voters. “While I won’t comment directly on the Sheriff’s remarks, it is my duty to ensure every voter in Portage County feels safe casting their ballot for any candidate of their choice. I believe that having a Sheriff’s Deputy present may discourage voters from entering the polling location,” Clites remarked.

Instead of relying on Sheriff Zuchowski or his deputies, the board will utilize private security already in place at the county’s administration building or the Ravenna Police Department for early voting, as detailed in Clites’ post.

Theresa Nielsen, the deputy director of the Portage County Board of Elections, confirmed the board’s decision, which was motivated in part by community concerns over “voter intimidation.” She also pointed out that Zuchowski is a sitting sheriff with an opponent, raising issues regarding the perceived impropriety of his office providing security. “We haven’t had this situation in probably the last 10 to 15 years,” Nielsen stated.

This change is primarily relevant to early voting, as the board expects that the sheriff’s office will perform its usual duties on Election Day. On that day, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement will respond to requests made by polling location managers, according to Clites.

In a previously removed Facebook post from September 13, Zuchowski appeared to suggest residents take note of the addresses of those displaying Harris campaign signs. The post, which appeared on both his personal and professional accounts, sparked considerable backlash. “When people ask me… What’s gonna happen if the Flip-Flopping, Laughing Hyena Wins?? I say… write down all the addresses of the people who had her signs in their yards,” Zuchowski wrote.

Following the original post, Zuchowski shared screenshots of related Fox News coverage. The comments were tied to ongoing rumors about immigrants in cities like Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio, which have been perpetuated by public figures, including former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance.

In a follow-up post on September 17, Zuchowski attempted to clarify his comments, stating, “As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Portage County, I have sworn to protect ALL citizens.” He suggested that his original message might have been misinterpreted and defended his First Amendment rights. “If the citizens of Portage County want to elect an individual who has supported open borders… then that is their prerogative,” he continued.

An “emergency meeting” held by the Portage County branch of the NAACP attracted over 100 attendees who expressed concerns about Zuchowski’s comments and the potential for “voter intimidation.” Ravenna Councilwoman Amy Michael emphasized that citizens should never feel afraid to exercise their right to vote, stating, “People have died for that right.” Deputy Director Nielsen encouraged attendees not to fear voting, suggesting mail-in ballots for those uncomfortable with in-person voting.

At the meeting, Akron attorney Eddie Sipplen pointed out that while Zuchowski has the right to express his views, there are still consequences for those statements. He characterized the sheriff’s language as a “dog whistle,” indicating that it could incite division within the community. “Your sheriff has put your county in a precarious position,” he remarked.

The NAACP chapter later announced that citizens would be filing complaints with state and federal authorities, requesting investigations into potential abuses of power by Zuchowski. The statement from the chapter warned that dehumanizing language against marginalized communities could exacerbate tensions and discourage citizens from voicing their political opinions publicly or participating at the polls.

Source: USA TODAY