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ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- The November general election is drawing ever closer, and Belmont County voters are showing their interest.
Elections board Director Bill Shubat -- at Monday's monthly board meeting -- reported that more than 6,000 absentee ballot requests have been received thus far. He said that number is ahead of the pace for the 2012 presidential election, when some 15,000 absentee ballots were issued.
Shubat added that voter registration ends Oct. 11 with early voting to commence Oct. 12.
The board also received a letter from the Martins Ferry Board of Education, noting the Purple City's elementary school will be ready for the Nov. 8 election.
Shubat said the board is employing additional police officers for the election due to the expected heavy turnout that comes with a presidential contest on the ballot. The ballots have been programmed and proofed and are ready for use. A black ink pen will be used to mark the ballots, avoiding any problems with Sharpie bleeding.
The American Disabilities Act coordinator for Ohio's secretary of state will be in Belmont County this Friday. He will be inspecting the Warren Township polling site, as concrete work is on tap in order to make the location more handicap accessible.
The board also discussed the U.S. 40 road work near the Carnes Center, which houses many voting precincts. The project was originally slated to be completed by Nov. 4. The board was notified the work is running ahead of schedule.
Should unforeseen events result in the project still being in progress on Election Day, Shubat indicated a detour plan is ready to be utilized, causing little problems for motorists.
The board of elections is now doing business for its banking needs at WesBanco.
The board unanimously approved vouchers for September, totaling $25,123.90.
The board's next meeting will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 17 at its headquarters, located in Plaza West, St. Clairsville.