T-L Photo/ ROBERT A. DEFRANK Retiring Belmont County Election Board director Kelly McCabe, seated, left, accompanied by husband Wally, was given a send-off by board members Wednesday. Board President Michael Shaheen, sitting, right, Robert Quirk, standing, left, Lois Doneson and Frankie Carnes, not present, wish McCabe well.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Board of Elections gave a send-off to retiring director Kelly McCabe Wednesday and made preparations for the coming Nov. 2 election.

The board held its regular meeting at the Belmont Hills Country Club, followed by a luncheon for staff members.

McCabe started work in the board office as a clerk in 2004. In 2006 she was named to the position of deputy director, and in 2019 she took the helm as director. She led the board through the move to a new building in 2019, as well as through the 2020 presidential election.

McCabe’s final day is July 30.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here. This is my most favorite job that I’ve had,” McCabe said. “Everything will still run the same way. I have a great team. It takes a team to do this and I’m happy I was part of this team for so long.”

“I’m sorry to see her go. Wishing her luck,” Board President Michael Shaheen said.

The director’s role is being taken on by Aaron Moore, who had served as deputy director under McCabe. Kamron Chervenak, who has worked in the board office since October, was promoted to deputy director.

The board also accepted a ballot printing proposal from Election IQ to provide 30,000 ballots for the Nov. 3 election, at a price of $248 to $273 per 1,000 ballots.

The other bidder was Integrated Voting Systems, for $270 to $280 per 1,000 ballots.

“(We selected) the lowest and best bid, and they have done work for us before,” board member Lois Doneson said.

They also noted a lawsuit has been filed against the board as well as the Village of Bridgeport by William Schmitt of Bellaire. Schmitt filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court of Ohio against the village, village officials, and the board of elections, alleging the village was in violation of Ohio law when a village employee refused to accept a petition for the November ballot. Schmitt was attempting to file a petition that would reduce penalties for marjuana offenses in the village of Bridgeport.

“For our position, we handed it over to our prosecutor,” Moores said.

Representatives from Dominion Voting Systems will also visit the board to assist the newly-hired IT coordinator in programming the software.

The public is reminded that Aug. 4 is the deadline for filing petitions for the November election and petitions will be certified Aug. 16.

The next meeting was scheduled for 4 p.m. Aug. 10 at the regular location at 52180 National Road, St. Clairsville.