Columbiana elections director says it’s busy

LISBON — Columbiana County Board of Elections Director Kim Meek said at 6 p.m. today that she was swamped.

She estimated about an 80 percent turnout with about 69,000 possible voters.

Voting was increasing after 5 p.m. as people left work and went to the polls. People were also calling the board of elections to find their voting place.

Meek said there had been small problems during the day but no no major problems.

David Johnson, a Republican and the chairman of the elections board, said he had an observer at Unity Precinct Southeast. The party last week challenged two out of state residents who moved to the county, registered, and then voted at the elections board. Ohio only allows permanent residents to vote, and the two quickly withdrew their votes.

Johnson said there may be other questionable votes in the precinct.