Counties in the Mahoning Valley increasing security for election
With so much tension surrounding an incredibly high-stakes election, law enforcement across the Valley will be increasing their presence at polling places, and around the valley.
Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties said they don't anticipate problems, but will be ready just in case.
In each county, it's the sheriff's department in the lead for election security. Even so, other police departments are prepared to assist if needed.
One of the reasons the county sheriffs are enhancing security at the polls is because of the expected high voter turnout.
“This year in particular, and every four years, it's something that we really pay a lot of attention to,” said Jerry Greene, Mahoning County Sheriff.
Greene also said he keeps security in mind during elections, especially during a presidential race, which tends to heighten emotions.
“We have officers that are monitoring the areas that the ballots come into. We also send officers out in the county, especially during the presidential election,” said Greene.
Ballot security is also considered. Mahoning County has cameras set up in areas where ballots are dropped off.
“We want to make sure that the ballots are secure. We have plenty of cameras. It's basically just trying to ensure everybody's confidence that the elections are done right and the ballots are secure,” said Greene.
Mahoning County Officers will be showing a presence at voting places to stop any disputes. They will also escort voting ballots to the Board of Elections.
Trumbull County will also be sending officers to the polls. Officers will be walking in and out of polling areas, checking in with poll workers and have extra police patrolling the county.
The Salem Police chief and the Columbiana County Board of Elections have been speaking with the county sheriff. They said extra officers will be patrolling Columbiana County polls.