A retired superintendent to STRS board: They [the candidates] should not be treated to this type of disrespect in the balloting process

From Ralph Roshong, May 2, 2013

Subject: Voting Ballot Irregularities

TO:  STRS Board Members and Staff, ORSC, State Senators and Legislators

RE: 2013 STRS Retiree Board Member Election Process

I would sincerely hope that the leadership at the STRS Ohio is taking serious and immediate steps to withhold the release of the results of this 2013 election of two retiree persons to the board until the question relating to the issues of ballot language can be resolved.

I am certain that by this time, you have become aware that there needs to be a total review of the election process, paper ballot language, phone ballot language, and the online ballot process.

My wife and I voted online and were astonished that when we submitted our vote, we were prompted to again review our ballot because we could vote for two candidates while we only voted for one. This, to me, is highly irregular.

Have you ever gone in a voting booth in your county, voted for a school board or township trustee election when you have more candidates vying for office than openings? You are instructed you can vote for up to two or three.  BUT do they then examine our ballot and tell us to go back to the booth and vote for more if you only voted for one?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

I would dare say that if you discussed these occurrences with any county director of boards of elections, they would be shocked. The same shock would probably come from the Secretary of State's Office.

STRS should be absolutely embarrassed by either this blatant attempt to guide an election result or the inexcusable ineptness which allowed these discrepancies to be a part of the election ballot process. After what candidates go through to just appear on the ballot, they should not be treated to this type of disrespect in the balloting process.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Ralph Roshong 

Retiree, 1991 

Sandusky, OH 44870