GLCAP board nominations to open Monday in Ottawa, Sandusky counties

Update, Nov. 7, 2026: Nominations have closed. GLCAP lists Frances Benlein and Stacey Smith as candidates for Sandusky County's 2027-28 seat and says Ottawa County incumbent Ashley Walterbusch is unopposed. Read the candidate and Nov. 9-11 voting details.

Original report, Oct. 28, 2026

Residents of Ottawa and Sandusky counties can nominate themselves for seats representing low-income residents on Great Lakes Community Action Partnership's board starting Monday.

The Fremont-based agency's board election notice says nominations for the 2027-28 terms will be accepted from 8:30 a.m. Monday through 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4. One seat is available in each county, along with seats for Seneca and Wood counties.

Candidates must live in the county they seek to represent, but they do not have to be low-income themselves. Their role is to advocate for that county's low-income residents, the agency says.

Eligible nominees will appear on an online ballot available from 8:30 a.m. Nov. 9 through 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11. The agency says it will notify nominees after votes are counted, with ties decided by a coin toss.

Employees and their immediate family members cannot run or vote in the election. Incomplete or inaccurate nominations may be disqualified.

County nomination links are on the agency's homepage. The Ottawa County form was not accepting responses when checked Wednesday, ahead of the announced opening. Questions can go to 1-800-775-9767.