Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) said, “I strongly urge the Town of Ramapo to reconsider their decision to not allow poll watchers during the upcoming ward referendum vote. Denying representatives from either side of an election the ability to observe the voting process goes against the spirit of fair and open democracy. From national elections to the smallest hamlets preserving the integrity of the voting process is fundamentally crucial to our communities.”
Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-New City) said, “The upcoming ward vote in the Town of Ramapo is too important to not have the transparency that is afforded to every other election. The Town should quickly develop a system to appoint poll watchers in an equitable manner that provides representation to both sides of this critical issue. I will be introducing legislation next session that will require poll watchers at all elections including ballot referendums.”
Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern) said, “The Town of Ramapo must reverse this critical decision regarding the presence of poll watchers during Tuesday’s ward referendum vote. Poll watchers are a positive aspect of our democratic election process, while helping to ensure that voting results, at the local, state and national levels are reliable, fair, transparent and honest. Allowing poll watchers will benefit the entire Ramapo community by instilling confidence in the voters.”
On Sunday, Councilman Daniel Friedman also voiced his support for poll watchers.
Friedman posted on his Facebook page: “While state law does not allow for poll watchers in Tuesday’s referendum, Councilman Yitzchok Ullman & I are asking the town clerk that they be permitted for the sake of transparency.”
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