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Youngstown mayor, pastor and residents urge keeping Board of Elections in city
Summary
At a March 26 Mahoning County commissioners meeting, Mayor McDonald and community leaders urged keeping the Board of Elections in Youngstown, offering parking and shuttle options and proposing mediation to avoid litigation; commissioners reiterated the county’s desire to keep services downtown while noting the board’s authority to choose locations.
Mayor McDonald and local residents urged Mahoning County commissioners on March 26 to keep the Board of Elections’ operations in Youngstown, offering city parking and transit options and asking to participate in location discussions to preserve voter access.
"We stand ready to roll out the red carpet," Mayor McDonald said, offering parking at the Cavelli Center, possible shuttles through WRTA and cooperation with the county and the Board of Elections to ensure accessibility for early and in-person voting.
The plea followed public comments by Pastor Ken Simon, who said he had attended a Board of Elections meeting where participants discussed filing a lawsuit against the county commission over an unresolved location dispute. "I am offering myself to be a mediator," Pastor Simon said, adding he would serve without pay to help the parties reach agreement and avoid spending taxpayer money on litigation.
Why it matters: choosing the Board of Elections’ site affects voter access and downtown services. Commissioners said they prefer county government functions to remain in Youngstown and recounted past efforts to consolidate services in Oakill (Oakill Renaissance Center) to preserve jobs and services. At the same time, several commissioners noted the Board of Elections has statutory authority to select its site within applicable guidelines and budget constraints.
County staff and commissioners described prior offers to build out or provide parking for a downtown location, but said the final decision rests with the Board of Elections. Mayor McDonald said the city would coordinate with JAC management and other partners to provide parking and shuttle options if the Board of Elections chooses a downtown site.
Beyond the board-location debate, commissioners and residents emphasized the need to keep lines of communication open. Commissioner comments referenced historical disputes over Oakill and said many parties remain committed to keeping elections services accessible to county voters.
The commissioners approved routine agenda business during the meeting and did not take a separate, formal vote on a new Board of Elections location. Commissioners and the Board of Elections are expected to continue discussions; the next commission meeting is scheduled for April 16 at 10:00 a.m.
