Summit County council approves notice to Democratic Party to start interim sheriff appointment

The Summit County Council approved a draft letter to the county Democratic Party chair formally notifying the party of an interim vacancy in the sheriff’s office and requesting the party submit a nominee to fill the role on an interim basis.

County staff explained state law requires the party chair (via party delegates) to provide the council with a nominee within 30 days; the county council then has five days to appoint that individual to serve until the next general election. Staff noted that because the departing sheriff was elected as a Democrat, the Democratic Party process applies and that the party planned a delegate meeting to select a nominee. Council members approved the draft letter by motion and voice vote.

Councilors also discussed timing of the special election cycle: the interim appointment will run until a special election to fill the post in November 2024 (the winner will serve a two‑year term to return the office to the statewide cycle). Staff will send the notice to the party chair and proceed with administrative steps required under state code.