The Portage County Board of Elections in Ohio has decided to remove the county sheriff’s department from providing security during in-person absentee voting, following a controversial social media post by Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski. Zuchowski had suggested that the addresses of people with Kamala Harris yard signs should be recorded so that immigrants can be sent to live with them if Harris wins the November election. The board cited concerns about perceived intimidation and the need to ensure that every voter feels safe casting their ballot for any candidate of their choice.
The decision to remove the sheriff’s department from election security came after a meeting sponsored by the NAACP of Portage County, where approximately 150 people expressed fear about Zuchowski’s comments. Board of Elections chair Randi Clites stated that having sheriff deputies at voting locations could discourage voters from entering, and therefore alternative security measures such as private security or Ravenna police will be considered. Clites emphasized the importance of making sure that every voter in Portage County feels safe and secure while exercising their right to vote.
Zuchowski’s post, which included a screenshot of a Fox News segment criticizing President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on immigration, sparked outrage among local Democrats and the ACLU of Ohio. The sheriff compared immigrants in the U.S. illegally to “human locusts” and suggested that addresses of Harris supporters be recorded for immigrant relocation. While the Ohio secretary of state and other agencies received complaints regarding Zuchowski’s comments, they determined that the remarks did not violate election laws. Republican Governor Mike DeWine called the comments “unfortunate” and “not helpful.”
In a follow-up post, Zuchowski attempted to clarify his earlier comments, stating that they may have been misinterpreted but reiterating that voters must accept responsibility for their actions. Zuchowski, who has been a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, is currently running for reelection as the chief law enforcement officer of Portage County. Despite the backlash and criticism, the secretary of state’s office has decided not to take any further action against the sheriff. It remains to be seen how Zuchowski’s controversial statements will impact his reelection campaign and future relationship with the local community.
