A dispute at the Delaware County Board of Elections has prompted a state lawmaker to propose changes to how county election boards work.

But the bill could boot several state party leaders from their roles as county election officials, including Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou.

House Bill 752, introduced by Rep. Brian Lorenz, R-Powell, would prohibit members of a state political party’s governing body from serving as a county board of elections member or employee. It would also create a mechanism to appoint alternative board members in case of conflicts of interest.

Ohio elections board member gets home for free amid residency challenge

Lorenz wants to solve problems like the one that recently popped up at the Delaware County Board of Elections.

Knox County resident Rebecca Nourse is challenging Delaware County Board of Elections member Melanie Leneghan for the woman’s seat on the Ohio Republican Party’s state central committee. This 66-member governing body issues statewide endorsements and makes other decisions about the party’s future.

Nourse made a mistake on her paperwork, which led to her being removed from the May ballot. During a hearing reconsidering that decision, Leneghan voted against Nourse. The district covers Delaware, Knox, Holmes and Coshocton counties.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose got involved, and after a revote, Nourse was ultimately allowed back on the primary ballot.

“This legislation provides a practical solution when potential conflicts arise while ensuring decisions made by our boards of elections remain fair and equitable,” Lorenz said in a statement. “It is a commonsense reform that benefits both Republicans and Democrats across Ohio.”

The Ohio Association of Election Officials is still reviewing the bill, but some members pointed out that Ohio already has policies that address conflicts of interest. “So, the ban (on state central committee members at election boards) seems pretty superfluous to most people that I’ve spoken to,” Executive Director Aaron Ockerman said.

Ohio has a bipartisan system of elections with two Democrats and two Republicans serving on each county board of elections. In Hamilton County, for example, Triantafilou serves as one of those Republican members,

“We do want people who understand politics and political considerations to be in these positions,” Ockerman said. “The fact that you have an equal number of both yields, generally speaking, nonpartisan results. But it’s made by partisan people who have an understanding of the election system.”

The bill, introduced on March 10, is in the early stages of the legislative process. It would need approval from the Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Senate and Gov. Mike DeWine to become law.

State government reporter Jessie Balmert can be reached at jbalmert@usatodayco.com or @jbalmert on X.

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The National Weather Service is forecasting the potential for severe thunderstorms in northern Delaware, especially in New Castle County, late this evening and overnight into tomorrow morning. The storms could bring large hail, damaging winds, and even an isolated tornado, though the severity is expected to taper off as the storms move south towards Kent and Sussex Counties.

Why it matters

Severe weather can pose significant risks to public safety, property, and infrastructure. While tornado touchdowns are relatively rare in Delaware, the state does experience its fair share of high-wind events, hail, and thunderstorms that can cause substantial damage, power outages, and disruptions.

The details

According to the latest forecasts, the northern areas of New Castle County, including Wilmington and surrounding communities, are at the highest risk for experiencing the most severe weather conditions. Residents in these areas should monitor weather alerts and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.

• The storms are expected to arrive in northern Delaware late this evening and continue into the overnight hours of tomorrow morning.

What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should stay tuned to local news and weather sources for the latest updates and be prepared to take shelter if severe weather warnings are issued.

One suspect is in custody and another remains on the run after an armed robbery at Christiana Mall in Newark, Delaware, on Saturday night, police said.

Delaware State Police said that Troopers were on scene for a reported armed robbery at around 8 p.m. on Saturday. Since then, one suspect has been taken into custody.

Another suspect — who is believed to be armed — was able to get away and is believed to have fled mall property, police said. He was last seen running near the Cabela’s.

A handgun was found on the suspect in custody, police said. However, no injuries have been reported.

The investigation at the scene is expected to continue a “little while longer” and people are urged to avoid the area.

People around the mall area are being asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as well, police said.

If you think you see the suspect, do not approach and call 911.

Investigators learned the remaining suspect fled mall property in an unknown direction. Troopers are still investigating this incident and several law enforcement vehicles will remain in the area for a little while longer.

We remind the public to remain vigilant and report any…

— Delaware State Police (@DEStatePolice) March 22, 2026

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