Longtime Democrat leaves board

PERKINS TWP. — Just weeks ahead of November's general election, a Democratic member serving on Erie County's elections board unexpectedly resigned from office. It now leaves a vacancy in the office overseeing voting processes. Tom Ferrell, one of four elections board members and serving as its chair, recently resigned without specifying a reason. "I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities and experiences I have gained during my time with the Erie County Board of Elections," said Ferrell, who, before this, served as an Erie County commissioner for nearly three decades. "It has been a pleasure working with a dedicated team." No major problems existed under Ferrell's watch as elections board member as it pertains to voting dating back to 2017. Ferrell's term ran through 2029. Who will replace him? To find Ferrell's replacement, those representing the Erie County Democratic Party must submit a recommendation with Ohio's secretary of state. The secretary then reviews this recommendation and will make an appointment. "There is no timetable to when the secretary will make the appointment official," Erie County elections board director Alex Jones said. When asked, Jones said Ferrell didn't provide a reason to him regarding his resignation. Jones believes the local Democratic party will meet within a week to make a recommendation. The county's election board operates with a staff, such as Jones, and four members, a pair of Democrats and Republicans each, who provide workers with direction and oversee elections. Erie County's board now consists of Republicans Gary Smith and John Adams along with Democrat MaryAnn Groot.