Chairman Stands Behind Removal of Voting Drop Boxes

Staff Report

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Federice has issued a statement standing behind the Board of Elections removing a voting drop box in front of the county building in Schoharie.

Mr. Federice, who is also the Conesville supervisor, called the issue "made up" and supported the action.

"This bi-partisan decision was made by members of the Board of Elections after consulting with the State Board of Elections who confirmed there is no legal requirement to maintain a drop box for absentee ballots," Mr. Federice said.

"The intent was to ensure election integrity considering the box was not bolted down or fixed to the building and there is no camera focused there leaving it subject to theft and/or vandalism."

Mr. Federice said that someone complained to a Capital District newspaper about the removal. The newspaper did a story on the removal "inferring this was a partisan effort and never mentioned the fact this was a bi-partisan decision which I emphasized several times speaking to the reporter who wrote the piece." Mr. Federice said he also told the reporter "Voters still have the option of bringing their ballots to the Board of Elections during business hours, they can vote early for nine days, they can mail in their ballots, and of course, they can vote on election day. There are ample opportunities for people to cast their vote."

Mr. Federice reiterated his support of the Board of Elections.

"I feel the members of the Board of Elections are to be commended in light of the attacks on remote drop boxes" in other parts of the country, he added.