Political flap targets Ohio elephant, donkey figurines

NEWARK, Ohio (AP) — A complaint that drew the attention of top Ohio elections officials means elephant and donkey knickknacks are taking a lower profile at one local voting board.

A Libertarian candidate saw the figurines of the Republican and Democratic symbols on the counter at the Licking County Board of Elections when he filed paperwork to run for county commissioner.

In a complaint filed with the board Aug. 4, James Snedden Jr. said he thought the display showed bias toward candidates for the two major parties.

Board director Sue Penick says the board has since heard from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, recommending that the red, white and blue ceramic statuettes be kept out of sight, to avoid conflicts. So, they’re now off the counter, but still in the office.