Fulton Co. Ready For Dec. 11 Special Election

Brett Kolb, director of the Fulton County Board of Elections, said everything in his office is set and ready to go for the Dec. 11 special congressional election.

Robert Latta (R-Bowling Green) and Robin Weirauch (DNapoleon) face off to claim the Fifth District Congressional seat, left open after the Sept. 5 death of Paul Gillmor (R-Tiffin). Gillmor died after falling down the stairs of his Virginia apartment. His death was ruled an accident.

Kolb said he's expecting a low voter turnout for the election, in the range of 20% to 22%.

"We hope for more, but I think we'll be far stretched to get that," he said.

Special elections generally have a low turnout, he said.

Plus, "it's holiday time, and people don't think about a December election. They're not in an election mood," he said.

"It's just unfortunate circumstances."

Polling Places

None of the polling places or times has changed since the November primary election.

Voters in Archbold precincts one, two, and three, plus German Township, will vote at the Archbold Knights of Columbus Rebeau Hall.

Those in the Pettisville precinct will vote at the Pettisville Park Pavillion. Franklin Township voters will go to the Franklin Township Hall to cast ballots.

Voters in the Gorham Township and Fayette precincts will vote at the Nazerine Church in Fayette.

In Henry County, voters in Ridgeville Township can cast ballots at the Ridgeville Corners Fire Department.

Freedom Township voters will cast their ballots at St. John's Freedom Church, on Henry Co. Rd. U.

Polls will remain open for 13 hours, from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Voters are required to bring photo identification, such as a driver license, to the polls. Those who have moved and not changed their addresses with the board will be allowed to vote on a provisional basis.

Cost

Kolb estimates the election will cost Fulton County about $20,000 to $25,000.

He said he hopes to finish under those figures, because when it comes to running the office, "I'm as tight as the bark on a tree."

No federal or state funds are available to pay for the special election.

Kolb said the board did not have enough funds in its budget to cover the cost of the special election. He had to go to the Fulton County Commissioners for an additional $12,000.

"It cost $15,000 just to pay the poll workers," he said.

Henry County

Grace Speiser, director of the Henry County Board of Elections, said her office will be ready in time for the election.

"We're working on it," she said.

She estimated the election will cost Henry County $15,000 to $20,000.

"Probably closer to $20,000," she said.

She said she will have to go to the Henry County Commissioners for money to pay for the election.