Stark County voters reject Issue 1 as some polling locations saw long lines and delays

Stark County voters joined others across Ohio in rejecting Issue 1.

About 52.5% of Stark voted against the measure, according to unofficial results from the county Board of Elections. The issue, if approved statewide, would have raised the threshold to amending the Ohio Constitution to 60% from 50% plus one vote. In the preliminary statewide tally, more than 56% of voters rejected Issue 1.

Final unofficial numbers saw Issue 1 defeated in Stark County 49.,363 to 44,702, a difference of 4,661 votes.

The Stark County Board of Elections held off explaining what happened at some Stark County polling locations that ran out of smart cards needed to operate touchscreen voting machines and blank paper ballots.

The issues contributed to longer wait times at various locations, prompting some advocates to fear voters who left may not have returned by the time the polls closed at 7:30 p.m.

Turnout in Stark County topped 38%, unusually high for a special election.

What happened at the Stark County polls?

The Stark County Board of Elections officials declined to discuss specifics but issued a statement Tuesday evening after polls closed:

"This is an election with a terrific level of voter turnout. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all voters throughout the day.

'The greater turnout forced some adjustments to our procedures, including the utilization of additional paper ballots at polling locations. We remain confident that the redundancy we prepared for in the voting systems covered the ability of each voter to cast a ballot.

'We will look into any specific instances of voter reports or irregularities. But we also remain confident that everyone who took the time and effort to vote today were extended that opportunity."

Board of Elections Chairman Samuel Ferruccio said he was unaware of anyone not being able to vote.

Aug. 8 election voting issues in Stark County

Some voters in Stark had to wait to vote. Others encountered issues.

The Ohio League of Women Voters in Columbus said around the time the polls closed that it had received reports that several Stark County polling locations had run out of ballots earlier, preventing people from voting until a fresh supply of ballots could be delivered or another solution was found.

"There were a number of voters who were turned away by poll workers earlier in the evening. And we do not know if they were able to make it back and vote. And I'm concerned about that." said Jen Miller, president of the Ohio League of Women Voters. "It seems very clear that the boards of election have underestimated turnout in general. We should never be running out of ballots. There always should be three or four times the number we think we need any election."

One woman, who declined to give her name, said she showed up at Plain Township Hall on Easton Street NE around 5:45 p.m. Poll workers announced that the location had run out of paper ballots and smart cards. They could not give an estimate of how long voters would have to wait. The woman left and returned later to vote.

Laura Switzer said she waited in line 30 minutes to vote at Plain Township Hall after arriving around 6:25 p.m.

"I'm usually in and out. This is crazy," she said.

Nick Spanakis of Jackson Township wrote in an email that his polling location at Crosspoint United Methodist Church on Portage Street NW didn't have any logistical issues. But he had to wait an hour to vote.

John Nelson, 61, of Plain Township, said he voted for Issue 1.

"I think it's important that we make sure that anything that takes place in our state that a majority of people in this state agree to it," Nelson said. "Sixty percent (required for approval of a state constitutional amendment) is better because ... if you can get 51 why can't you get 60? It's no big deal to get 60%. ... that's the problem. Fifty-one (percent) is easier than 60 (percent)."

Maribeth Flanery, 52, of Plain Township said she voted "no," because "I feel every woman has the right to make their own choice. Period."

Flanery said she wants a proposed constitutional amendment to pass in November that gives women the right to get an abortion as under Roe v. Wade before the U.S. Supreme Court struck it down.

Switzer, who voted at Plain Township Hall, also said she voted, "no," on Issue 1. "I believe everybody should have their right to be heard. ... Because what I read about it, a lot of people's choices will be taken away from them (if Issue 1 passes). I'm pro-choice for everything."

Dispatch reporter Lily Carey contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County voters reject Issue 1 on Aug. 8 ballot