NYS SHOULD LET PEOPLE VOTE BY MAIL--WOULD SAVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND INCREASE TURNOUT

ARE YOU AWARE THAT THERE IS A SPECIAL ELECTION IN GREENBURGH IN THREE WEEKS FOR COUNTY LEGISLATOR?

The town Democratic Committee designated MaryJane Shimsky to run for the 12th District seat on the Westchester County Board of Legislators against Republican Nicholas DeCicco. Although it would be nice if voter turnout is high because this is an important election, chances are good that the turnout will be light.
I have written to our Albany lawmakers and Commissioners of the Board of Elections recommending that NYS do what other states have already done--and allow voters to vote by mail (especially when there is a special election or primary --when turnout is low).


On February 15th voters in Greenburgh will have the opportunity to elect a replacement to former County Legislator Tom Abinanti (who is now an Assemblyman). Because no other election is being held on the 15th and because people are not used to voting in February, the turnout is expected to be very light. New York State should reform the election law and have elections by ballot (voting by mail) over a two week period when a special election is held for County Executive, Congress, the NYS Senate, Assembly or County Legislator. This is similar to a successful election process that currently exists in Oregon and other states. .
Voting by mail would make it easier for people to vote. Turnout would increase and taxpayers would save significant dollars because there would be no need for election day expenses. Voting by mail is easier. Voters can reflect on the ballot at home in a less stressful environment. If they have questions about referenda they have more time to ask their questions.
In Oregon voter turnout has increased significantly --by as much as 40%. Having elections by mail would result in no election inspectors & pollworkers,no extra paychecks, no rentals of voting locations, no early morning hours for election inspectors, no election day set up problems, no confusion where people have to go to vote. And, since everyone would vote by mail - no need for absentee ballots.
Voter lists are easier to maintain because ballots that are returned as undeliverable will cause the Board of Elections to check the registration and to remove the name from the ballot.
In Oregan voters have two weeks to cast their ballot. This provides the electorate with the chance to study the issues carefully and to have questions answered.
It's too late to allow voting by ballot for this years special County Legislative election. However- it's my hope that the NYS Legislature will consider this reform so we could start saving taxpayer dollars and increasing voter participation in time for the next special elecition.
PAUL FEINER