MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County Democratic Election Commissioner Norman Green says he supports Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s call to bring early voting to New York State.
Green said that under Cuomo’s proposal announced earlier this month, all counties with less than 100,000 registered voters would be required to open one early voting poll site for any election and that the early voting site will be open for 12 days before any election.
“Chautauqua County and all of the western New York counties accept Erie and Niagara will fall under this proposal. That means one site for our county and if we ever solve our customer parking problem in Mayville, that would likely be at the Board of Elections office,” said Green.
“With our ever falling anemic non-presidential year voter turnout numbers, we need to do something about voter turnout. This proposal is one obvious answer and will allow voters to come the dozen days before any election to vote and that will include weekends,” Green continued. “As for the costs, Gov. Cuomo is proposing $7 million for counties to use to help cover the costs of early voting. Commissioner Abram and I believe that we can do this in a cost effective manner in our county and the Governor’s help would get us started.”
Green said that if it goes forward, the one site would likely be at the County Board of Elections office in Mayville.
“I hope Assemblyman Andy Goodell and Senator Cathy Young will support this voter enfranchisement proposal,” said Green.
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