The Mahoning County Board of Elections is pushing to relocate from its current Oak Hill headquarters, citing leaks, poor security, and outdated infrastructure as major concerns. But county commissioners remain divided on whether a move should happen—and where the board should go if it does.

During Thursday’s commissioners' meeting, Board Chairman David Betras presented printed photos showing conditions inside the facility, including damaged ventilation, leaking pipes, and ballot storage he described as inadequate and unsecured. Betras called the situation “a poster child for fraud, waste, and abuse” and urged commissioners to take immediate action.

“We are nearly at a breaking point for vault space, for securing ballots, for securing machines—we are one disaster away from a major issue,” Betras said.

The county recently purchased a new building in Austintown, but no final decision has been made on who will occupy it. Commissioner Anthony Traficanti voiced concerns about moving the elections office out of Youngstown, saying, “The Board of Elections has always been in the city. That has been their home.”

Other commissioners, including Carol Rimedio-Righetti, acknowledged that the Oak Hill facility is no longer ideal but emphasized that due diligence must be done before any decisions are made.

“We know they need to move, but we have to look at all options and make sure it’s the right fit,” Rimedio-Righetti said.

Betras, however, made it clear that waiting is not an option. He vowed to continue pressing for action, saying election security and efficiency depend on a proper facility that meets modern standards.

Commissioners say they will continue evaluating options, but for now, the future of the Mahoning County Board of Elections headquarters remains uncertain.