LaRose announces launch of statewide training platform for Ohio’s election officials

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has announced the launch of a new statewide training platform offering improved, interactive instructional content designed to better educate Ohio’s election officials.

The Ohio Election Readiness Training Institute features a modernized menu of course material focused on the legal requirements and standard operating procedures for administering elections. Each training module provides participants with interactive presentations that have been proven to increase knowledge and retention.

“Continuous learning and improvement are core concepts of readiness in the military, and we’re applying that same approach to the way we prepare for elections,” said Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. “We’re responsible for running a statewide operation that impacts millions of people, not only throughout the year but especially on the designated days we open up the polls to vote. Readiness for that kind of logistical effort requires an immersive and ongoing learning experience, from execution to evaluation. That is what this new institute is designed to provide.”

New members, directors and deputy directors of an Ohio county board of elections must complete six training credits within six months of appointment, plus an additional eight credits in their first full year. Incumbent or reappointed board members, directors and deputies must complete at least eight credits of continuing-education training each calendar year. 

“Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this new training platform certainly provides a more dynamic and engaging way to help Ohio’s election professionals build the knowledge and skills needed for success,” said Aaron Ockerman, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Election Officials.

The Readiness Institute will operate year-round, providing election professionals, poll workers and candidates with continuous digital access to the most current instruction content, including material based on the Ohio Election Officials Manual, the Candidate Requirement Guide, the Campaign Finance Handbook and the Ohio Ballot Questions and Issues Handbook, among other publications produced by the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.

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