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Ohio’s bipartisan approach to vote counting: A look inside Lucas County’s election process

In an interview, Tim Monaco, the deputy director at the Lucas County Board of Elections, explained the sequence of vote counting on Election Day.

TOLEDO, Ohio — As Election Day approaches, Tim Monaco, the deputy director at the Lucas County Board of Elections, sat down with WTOL 11 to provide insights into the vote counting process and reassures voters about the integrity of the system.

In an interview, Monaco explained the sequence of vote counting on election day.

“The first votes you see on Election Day are your early and absentee voting,” Monaco stated. 

These initial ballots are processed and released first in Ohio. As votes from various polling locations across the county arrive, they are uploaded in real-time. 

“It may look like there’s no rhyme or reason to it, but that’s because certain places finish quicker than others,” he added, noting the geographical challenges within Lucas County.

When asked about the order in which votes are reported, Monaco clarified that early and absentee votes come first. The subsequent reporting depends on several factors, including voter turnout and the efficiency of polling locations. 

“If there are folks still in line, all that will depend on what happens on Election Day,” he said.

Credit: WTOL 11

Monaco also addressed the common confusion when votes are reported but zero precincts are shown as reporting. 

“Those are your early and absentee ballots,” he explained. 

These votes, which include ballots by mail and from nursing homes, are counted first and are not tied to specific precincts.

To reassure voters about the legitimacy of the election process, Monaco highlighted Ohio’s bipartisan approach. 

“Any time a live ballot is accessed, it requires one Republican and one Democrat,” he emphasized. 

The balanced composition of the board, with equal representation from both parties, ensures transparency and prevents any nefarious activities. 

Credit: AP
A voting machine displays, "Your vote has been recorded. Thank you for voting", after voter successfully scanned ballot in Cincinnati, Oct. 11, 2023.

Additionally, since 2004, it has been illegal for any voting or tabulating equipment to connect to the internet in Ohio. 

“We have one of the best systems, and a lot of that is because we have been under watch as a long-time swing state,” Monaco asserted.

Monaco, a Republican, explained the bipartisan structure of their roles. 

“Whoever is the chairman of the board, the opposite party has to be the director,” he said. 

Currently, the chairman is a Republican, making Lavera Scott, a Democrat, the director. 

“She does a wonderful job,” Monaco praised his colleague.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots, Monaco’s detailed explanation of the vote counting process and the stringent measures in place to ensure election integrity aim to provide a sense of confidence and trust in the system. 

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