Disinformation threatens U. S. elections

Election board taking steps for a safe in- person voting experience

“The number one threat to our election is disinformation,” said Auglaize County’s election chief, adding she’s seen proof that Russians hacked the 2016 elections. “But disinformation is worse than foreign interference.”

Much of that disinformation comes from Facebook, explained Michelle Wilcox, director of the county’s board of elections, speaking to Wapakoneta Rotarians Monday. She urged caution.

“Think before you click,” is her advice. Wilcox’s main message was to “myth- bust” the confusion surrounding the voting process, pointing out it would take an act of Congress to change the date for a general election. The 2020 general election takes place Nov. 3 — the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

Ohio offers three “secure and convenient” ways to cast a ballot in this year’s general election, Wilcox said.

The first is to vote absentee by requesting a mail- in ballot. Ohioans may have received an application for an absentee ballot in the mail; Wilcox pointed out that mailing is simply a request that an absentee ballot be returned to you.

Those ballot requests are scrutinized, Wilcox said, to ensure the person making the request is who he or she says they are. Identification must be provided and signatures are scrutinized, Wilcox said, to determine the validity of the request.

The second is to vote early and in- person at the county board of elections, in the administration building on Blackhoof Street, starting Oct. 6. The county also offers extended hours, including the two weekends prior to Election

Day, Wilcox said.

And the third is to vote in person at your polling place on Election Day.

Wilcox is encouraging county residents to vote early to avoid congestion on Election Day. To date, her office has received 5,600 requests for absentee mail- in ballots, during the 2016 general election there were 6,122 requests total.

“I want 30 percent of the registered voters to vote early,” Wilcox said. “That way we won’t have voters waiting in line.”

Because there will be lines at polling places, she predicted, what with social distancing and other precautions being taken to ensure a safe voting process.

“The footprint will be different,” she said. “Tables will be spaced out. Poll workers will be wearing masks. There will be hand sanitizer available.”

Those voting will have requirements as well, Wilcox said, requirements developed by the CDC, Ohio Department of Health and Secretary State Frank Larose.

Those voting in person on Election Day must wear a mask. If you don’t have a mask one will be offered. If you say no to a mask, you will be asked to return to your vehicle to vote curbside. If you refuse that option, you will be able to vote in person, but not before precautions are taken to ensure the least amount of contact with everyone else in the polling location. Workers will then disinfect where the voter had been before allowing others back in that area.

No one, Wilcox said, will be refused the opportunity to vote. If there is any confusion about the person casting a vote, a provisional ballot will be offered to record the vote until the voter’s eligibility is established.

Wilcox emphasized it may taken weeks after the November election to determine winners.

“They’re called unofficial results for a reason,” she said, explaining

of absentee and earlyvoting ballots aren’t counted until Election Day; election officials have 10 days to count provisional ballots as well as ballots postmarked correctly but not received immediately.

There are 32,500 registered voters in Auglaize County, Wilcox said, and she’s hoping to set a new record with voter turnout. She said turnout was 75 percent in 2016.

Wilcox, president of the Ohio Association of Election Officials, believes many eyes will be on Ohio on election night, and is determined Auglaize County will set a good example for providing a “neutral space where people feel at ease to cast their vote in a peaceful manner.”

If residents want their votes to county, the advice she gives is simple.

“Just cooperate with the mandate,” she said. “We’re going to set a damn good example in Auglaize County.”