Erie County elections board member resigns

PERKINS TWP. — An Erie County elections board member announced he's stepping down from his post, effective immediately. On Friday, Republican Nic Smith submitted his letter of resignation to the Ohio Secretary of State, ending a six-year run on the county board. The county board, comprised of two Democrats and two Republicans, oversees local elections, ensures fair voting processes and supervises a staff taking care of other government responsibilities. Elections board members are appointed by their respective political parties: Democrats or Republicans. A search must now occur to find Smith's replacement. "We are incredibly thankful to Nic for his dedication to the board," Erie County Republican chairman Caleb Stidham said. Stidham also serves as the county's treasurer. "Nic helped lead the board through unprecedented challenges these past few years and will be greatly missed. We have big shoes to fill." Among those challenges included helping navigate the public through an election, in 2020, amid a pandemic. Stidham expects to name a replacement for Smith sometime later this month. It's a decision carried out through the county's Republican executive committee. Regarding the timing of his announcement, Smith cited a potential run for office in 2024. "I'm excited to find ways to continue serving our community," Smith said. "I'm looking very closely at a run for (a county) office in 2024. The recent retirement announcement from the county recorder certainly factors into my thought process." Smith, an attorney with Sandusky-based Smith & Sidoti, referenced Barb Sessler's recent announcement of her retirement, which takes effect Jan. 27. Sessler is a Democrat. Erie County's Democratic central committee must appoint a person to fulfill the current term, which spans until Jan. 5, 2025. A general election for the office doesn't occur until November 2024. "The party is always looking for qualified leaders to serve as elected officials," Stidham said. "Nic would be a formidable candidate and good public service."