Senator Addabbo to Address Primary Day Voting Problems

Will Hold Elections Committee Hearing to Identify Solutions

 September 20, 2010, Queens, NY – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., (D-Howard Beach) Chair of the NY State Senate Elections Committee, is working with the New York City Board of Elections to address issues with new voting machines that came to light in Tuesday’s primary election.  Problems setting up the machines and late delivery of equipment keys caused some polling places to open late, and delays in signing in voters at others. 

"I understand the frustration of not being able to cast a ballot at the designated place and time.  We all anticipated some issues, since these new machines were being used for the first time ever by voters in New York City.  I have been in discussions with the City Board of Elections to identify practical solutions so our voters have an efficient and reliable general election in November," said Senator Addabbo. 

Senator Addabbo and the Elections Committee plan to hold hearings later this month to identify problems and solutions that can be implemented prior to the November 2 Election Day.  “Elections are a fundamental part of our society and our democracy.  As Chair of the Senate Elections Committee, it is my responsibility to hear the concerns of voters and poll workers and act on them. I am concerned when the administration cuts the budget for elections and then expects them to function smoothly,” Addabbo said.

Federal law required New York to replace the old lever-operated voting machines.  New electronic optical scan machines were selected after extensive review and testing of various systems.  While they had been used in other parts of the state previously, they made their New York City debut in last Tuesday’s primary.

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