T-L Photo/ ROBERT A. DEFRANK Democratic Party leaders, candidates and officeholders gather Thursday for the ribbon cutting of the new party headquarters on West Main Street, St. Clairsville. Belmont County Auditor Anthony Rocchio cuts the ribbon.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Democratic Party officially opened its new headquarters at 118 W. Main St. in the county seat Thursday.

Chairwoman Diane Conroy welcomed volunteers and candidates in local races. Ohio Rep. Jack Cera, D-Bellaire, stopped by to look over the new headquarters.

“We’re going to open our office, be here and be available. Also take signs around to anybody that calls or needs them that can’t get here,” Conroy said, adding she has been impressed by the enthusiasm among party members for the coming election.

“We do have a lot of volunteers this year,” she said. “It’s fantastic. We have had people call (and) call. … People are coming out of the woodwork for this, people who haven’t voted in awhile.”

She said this is the case despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which has stymied many local events and called for additional precautions while holding the Nov. 3 election. These precautions also extend to normal outreach efforts by local parties.

“It’s kind of hard with COVID to do too many different things, but we’re going to try,” Conroy said. “We have people that will drive people to and from the polls, and all they have to do is call and ask.

“You can’t do as much door knocking as normal,” she added. “Talking to people, some people will open their doors, some people won’t. We understand that. We have to do whatever they’re comfortable with. Because of the amount of absentee voting that we do here in the valley, they feel safe doing it sitting at their own tables.”

“It seems like they’re getting a good vote,” Cera said. “Statewide, we’re seeing a lot of interest in early voting. I think there is a lot of enthusiasm for our nominee, Vice President (Joe) Biden, and I’m hoping we get our people out to vote and we can win the presidency and get these local guys (elected).

“Right now, we’ve got to get people out to vote and hopefully everybody will. I know there’s concerns about voting, but there’s a lot of ways. I encourage everybody to go to the election board and vote early. Then you don’t have to worry about the mail,” he said. “Regardless of who you’re supporting, everybody should vote.”

Cera is term-limited and unable to run for his current office again. He has endorsed Richard Olivito in the race for state representative for the 96th District. Olivito was on hand and commended the Belmont County Democratic Party leaders.

“We’re sensing a very strong support. It’s quiet, but it’s out there,” he said. “I applaud the effort in opening an office. I’m glad we got it this week when voting started.”

Olivito also thanked Cera.

“His work has been absolutely excellent for all the people on both sides of the aisle,” he said.

“The people are listening and learning the issues, and they’re going to vote the best for the country,” Michael Bianconi, candidate for Belmont County commissioner, said. “I think the voters are going to come out and we’re going to have a new president in the White House. I certainly hope so.”

Bianconi said his campaign is based on fiscal conservation and “common sense.”

Cory DelGuzzo, seeking the county recorder’s office, and Belmont County Auditor Anthony Rocchio, seeking reelection, were also present.

“It certainly has been great to see how many people are stating that they’re going to go out and vote,” DelGuzzo said.

Jerry Moore was present representing the Belmont County chapter of the NAACP.

“I think people are excited about this year’s election,” he said. “We have some viable candidates running to represent Belmont County well.”

Conroy also said there will be a “Honk and Wave for Biden” at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Ohio Valley Mall.

“We put it on our Facebook,” she said.

For more information, call Conroy at 740-310-6546. She said office hours likely will vary according to availability of volunteers, but officials plan to keep the headquarters open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. most days.