Summit County Board of Elections Board Meeting 09.08.2026

The Summit County Board of Elections held a meeting on September 8, 2026, primarily focused on a protest regarding the candidacy of Nathan Manning for the 9th District Court of Appeals seat. The discussion centered on the interpretation of Ohio Revised Code sections related to candidate eligibility, party certification, and the timing of nominations following a vacancy. Legal counsel for both sides presented arguments referencing specific statutes and Ohio Supreme Court cases, debating whether Mr. Manning's candidacy should be certified or removed from the ballot. The board debated procedural issues including the timing of the protest filing and the authority to change ballots within 60 days of the election. A motion to sustain the protest (removing the candidate from the ballot) was made but not supported, resulting in no change to the ballot at that time. Additionally, the board approved bills and payroll and discussed a procurement-related matter concerning polling locations. Due to the loss of a polling site in Stow, the board considered authorizing an exception to the usual $100 per precinct rental limit to rent space at the Courtyard Marriott for two precincts at $400, with a possible third precinct at a nearby church or in Hudson. The board agreed to this exception to ensure adequate polling locations for the upcoming election.