Mahoning County BOE Weighs Relocation Options, Locals Urge Staying in Youngstown

Community members voice support for keeping election offices in the city, as board considers several potential sites.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:23am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting an empty government office space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a contemplative mood about the Mahoning County BOE's relocation decision.As the Mahoning County Board of Elections weighs its relocation options, the community's desire to keep the offices in Youngstown reflects a broader struggle to preserve local institutions and civic engagement.Youngstown Today

The Mahoning County Board of Elections held a meeting to discuss possible relocation options for their offices, with about 50 community members urging the board to keep the election offices in Youngstown. While no final decisions were made, the board indicated that staying in the city is a priority, and they are considering several potential sites, including a former Bottom Dollar grocery store and the Cobbin Building. Local officials, including a city councilman and a pastor, expressed support for keeping the BOE in Youngstown.

Why it matters

The location of the Mahoning County Board of Elections is a crucial issue for the local community, as it impacts access to voting and the administration of elections. Residents are concerned about the potential relocation of the BOE offices out of Youngstown, the county seat, which could create logistical challenges and reduce voter engagement.

The details

During the meeting, the BOE chairman, Dave Betras, said the former Bottom Dollar grocery store on Glenwood Avenue is a top contender, but they are also considering the Cobbin Building on Fifth Avenue, which has 40,000 square feet of space. Betras noted that the Cobbin Building may be too large, as the BOE only needs about 25,000 square feet. The board has also looked at the former Dillards building in Boardman, but Betras said it wouldn't work, and they haven't ruled out the Patriot Building in Austintown, though they would prefer to stay in Youngstown.

  • The Mahoning County Board of Elections meeting took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Dave Betras

The chairman of the Mahoning County Board of Elections.

Eric Kenadie Cobbin-Richardson

An individual who informed the board that the Cobbin Building on Fifth Avenue is available.

Julius Oliver

The First Ward Councilman in Youngstown, who expressed the city's support for keeping the BOE offices in Youngstown.

Ken Simon

A pastor who suggested the board has already decided to move the BOE to the Patriot Building in Austintown.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever the city needs, we're ready to work with this administration to make sure that the Board of Elections can get what they need in the City of Youngstown in order to keep the Board of Elections in the City of Youngstown.”

— Julius Oliver, First Ward Councilman

“The residents of the City of Youngstown, which is still the county seat, are tired of this back and forth and have made it clear that we want the Board of Elections to stay in the City of Youngstown.”

— Ken Simon, Pastor

What’s next

The Mahoning County Board of Elections has not provided a timeline for when they would like to relocate, but they have indicated that a decision will be made sooner rather than later. The board has also approved hiring an environmental consultant to examine health issues at their current location, Oak Hill Renaissance Place, and a commercial real estate company to help find a new building.

The takeaway

The potential relocation of the Mahoning County Board of Elections has become a contentious issue, with local residents strongly advocating for the offices to remain in Youngstown, the county seat. The board's decision will have significant implications for voter access and the administration of elections in the region.