Ballots in bags? Voters reporting poll problems in Westchester County

Voters are reporting issues at multiple polling stations in Westchester County. The New York’s attorney general says she is monitoring the situation.

Reports of problems came in from New Rochelle, North Salem and Ossining. At St. Paul’s Church in the latter, people said voting machines rejected all ballots. They said ballots were put in a bag for later counting.

Less than an hour after issuing a statement blaming county-wide voting problems on “the thickness of paper ballots,” the Westchester County Board of Elections issued a correction.

The new statement removes the word “thickness.” Here is the updated statement:

“The Westchester County Board of Elections (BOE) is aware of an issue involving paper ballots that is preventing voting machines from accepting ballots at polling locations throughout the County. The Westchester Board of Elections wants to reassure every voter that your vote matters, your ballot will be secure and your vote will be counted.

The Board of Elections is in constant communication with New York State officials, Westchester County Government and poll workers to address this issue and ensure that voting continues with as little disruption as possible. In the meantime, voters should continue to complete their paper ballots as instructed by poll workers. Ballots will be placed in designated orange emergency ballot bags, which will remain secure and monitored. These ballots will subsequently be counted in accordance with applicable election procedures.

We strongly encourage all voters to remain in line, exercise patience and, most importantly, cast their ballots.

The BOE sincerely apologizes to voters and poll workers for the inconvenience this situation has caused, and the BOE recognizes the importance of a smooth and efficient voting process. They are taking every necessary step to address the issue as quickly as possible.

Let us be absolutely clear: Every eligible vote will be counted. No voter should be discouraged from participating in this election because of this issue. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Please stay in line and vote.”

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