NW Ohio Times

State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein and Elgin Rogers, Jr. have introduced a bill aimed at enhancing protections for Ohioans volunteering as poll workers on registration or election days. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent employers from disciplining employees who attend training or serve as election officials. It also aims to stop employers from requiring employees to use their annual, vacation, or sick leave for such duties, provided that reasonable notice of absence is given.

“With the gradual decrease in poll-working volunteers over the years, the time to act is now,” stated Representative Klopfenstein. He noted that while existing laws offer some employee protections, they do not sufficiently address the issue.

Currently, Ohio law only prevents employers from refusing an employee's request to serve as an elected official on registration or election days. However, according to the Ohio Association of Election Officials, there has been a consistent annual loss of 10-15% in poll worker numbers.

The bill is awaiting a number and committee assignment before proceeding further in the legislative process.