BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) –
Ohio voters have just gotten through a primary.
But soon they’ll be facing another election, at least those in the 6th Congressional District.
This one will be a special general election, June 11th, to fill the unexpired term of former Congressman Bill Johnson.
The winner will serve only until January 3rd, when Johnson’s former term ends. Then the two-year seat will be up for grabs all over again in the November election, to fill it for the next two years, through 2026.
It’s all because Ohio law says a Congressional vacancy must be filled by a special election.
Belmont County is one of the eleven counties in that district, so they’ll have to hold a complete election, just for one seat that will only last six months.
“We will prepare for this election just like every other election. We’ll still have early voting here in our office, we’ll have vote by mail. All of our polling locations will be open on election day and will be staffed. We’ll have a Democrat and a Republican pollworker at every precinct in every polling location. We will test our equipment and software just like we would for every other election.”
Aaron Moore
Director, Belmont County Election Board
Early voting will start May 14.
Officials say holding a special election is not cheap, but it is mandated, and the state pays for it.
It’s being said that Ohio is experiencing more voter burnout than voter turnout.
They had one special election last year for changing constitutional amendments, and one the year before, for redistricting.
