Warren, Ohio—A vacant former bank building next to the Trumbull Board of Elections may be considered as a site for an early voting center for November’s presidential election. Board members and the staff are concerned about the potential huge turnout well in advance of the November 3 election—and the limited capacity of the board office to handle it.

            “Our facility is not the answer to good early voting,” said Ron Massullo, deputy elections director. He told 21 News afterwards that there is only one entrance into and out of the board offices, a situation that would place the board in jeopardy of violating distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. “At the most, we can accommodate only three voters at the counter and we’d have lines down the street so with that traffic flow, we’re not going to be able to vote,” Massullo said adding that other Ohio election boards are considering similar alternatives given the expectations of extremely high voter turnout in advance of the election.

Massullo said if county commissioners approve, the board would hold a “short-term” lease on the building, but described the possibility at this point as “premature.” The board, however, unanimously approved having Massullo and Elections Director Stephanie Penrose work with commissioners to examine whether the bank building or other locations would best serve as an early voting center.

            It’s not just early voting that has the concern of the board. So does the situation with the ballots and workers ability to process them if the heavy voter response comes to fruition. The board agreed on a recommendation from Massullo to contract with Midwest Direct of Cleveland to assist with printing and processing. The company specializes in data processing and ballot printing and has worked previously with the county.

 “We can handle the initial portion of 20,000 ballots, but we have 140,000 registered voters,” Massullo said. “We’re comfortable in processing through October 6 (and) then go to the mailing house after that.” The deputy director said data files from the county can be sent to Midwest Direct on a nightly basis or as needed.

Penrose had good news for the county as the board of elections has been awarded $158,000 in CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) funds because of the COVID pandemic and the need for compliance. Penrose said the money can be allocated for nearly all election needs including worker hiring and training. The board has budgeted $61,000 for that purpose although estimates of the final costs could be as high as $69,000.

“We need to prepare for the absolute worst and hope for the best,” said board Chairman Mark Alberini.