How can I donate to Steve Shoffner's campaign?

You can support the campaign with a secure online contribution through WinRed at secure.winred.com/steve-shoffner-for-erie-county/donate-today. Contributions help fund yard signs, voter outreach, and connecting with residents across Erie County.

When is the Erie County Commissioner election in 2026?

The general election for Erie County Commissioner is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where do I vote in Erie County Ohio?

Your polling location is assigned based on your registered address. Look up your polling place at the Ohio Secretary of State polling location finder (www.ohiosos.gov/directories/find-my-polling-location) or call the Erie County Board of Elections at (419) 627-7601.

Can I vote early or absentee in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio allows any registered voter to cast an absentee ballot with no reason required. Early in-person voting begins 28 days before Election Day.

How do I register to vote in Erie County Ohio?

You must be registered at least 30 days before the election. Register online at OhioSoS.gov or in person at the Erie County Board of Elections, 2900 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870.

What is Steve Shoffner's position on property taxes?

Steve believes Erie County residents deserve responsible stewardship of their tax dollars. He is committed to holding the line on unnecessary spending and opposing tax increases that place an unfair burden on homeowners and small businesses.

How does Steve Shoffner approach public safety?

Steve supports fully funding the Erie County Sheriff's Office and ensuring first responders have the equipment and training they need.

Re-Elect Steve Shoffner for Erie County Commissioner

Steve Shoffner, Erie County Commissioner since January 2019, smiling in a dark suit and red tie, Republican candidate for re-election in November 2026

Meet Steve

Steve Shoffner has served Erie County as a county commissioner since January 2019. Before joining the commission, Steve spent 25 years as Director of News Operations for a group of northern Ohio radio stations in Sandusky, Clyde and Tiffin. (WLEC 1450 AM, WCPZ Mix 102.7 FM, WMJK 100.9 FM and WTTF 1600 AM)

His background in local news continues to shape his direct approach to public service: listening first, asking questions, and staying accessible to residents. He continues his employment with the radio stations today.

Steve was also a U.S. Coast Guard licensed boat captain and operated towboats on Lake Erie and the Sandusky Bay for the Sandusky based TowBoatUS operation. He is a member of the Erie County Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC), the Erie County Community Corrections Planning Board, the Erie County GIS Advisory Board and the Erie County Economic Development Corporation.

He is the county commission's liaison for the Erie / Ottawa International Airport Board, and is a member of the NASA Armstrong Advocacy Coalition. He is a past member of the Erie County Board of Revision.

"Steve's experience, local knowledge, and relationships have created an environment of trust and cooperation among his peers."

A Record of Responsible Service

Steve has worked on county budgets, public safety planning, emergency preparedness, and local government coordination since 2019.

$8 million in property tax relief

Supported suspension of the county's inside property tax millage (approx. 2.23 mills) for both 2025 and 2026 - keeping approximately $8 million per year in the hands of Erie County property owners.

Infrastructure paid in cash

A $22 million expansion of the Sawmill Creek sewer treatment facility and a $6 million landfill expansion - both paid in cash - with $1 million per year directed to township road improvements.

New development & economic growth

TIF agreements (Tax Increment Finance) brought the LOVE's Travel Stop and Grower's Mineral projects to US Route 250, and the WaterWood waterfront development just west of Vermilion. Continued development of the US Route 6 corridor between Sandusky and Huron.

Public safety investments

Significant investments in the Erie County Sheriff's Office: new vehicles, firearms and tasers, in-car and body-worn cameras, and FLOCK license plate readers. Additional facility updates and upgrades for the courthouse and juvenile justice facilities.

See the full record of accomplishments →

What Steve Stands For

Taxes & Spending

Steve supports responsible county spending and tax relief when county finances allow it. As commissioner, he has supported actions aimed at reducing the burden on property owners while maintaining stable county operations.

Open Communication

Steve believes county government works best when residents, business leaders, township officials, city leaders, and village leaders have direct access to commissioners. He prioritizes free and frequent conversations with people across Erie County.

Public Safety

Steve has served on the Erie County Local Emergency Planning Commission and Corrections Planning Board. These roles connect county government with emergency planning, public safety coordination, and correctional system oversight.

Countywide Representation

Steve's stated goal is to make sure the concerns of the entire county receive attention. Erie County includes cities, villages, townships, lakefront communities, rural areas, tourism assets, and working neighborhoods. Government should listen to all of them.

See all of Steve's positions →