Zebrowski Introduces Legislation For Improving Absentee Ballot Control

Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-New City) introduced legislation on Thursday to limit an individual from picking up more than two absentee ballots for other voters. The bill would also prohibit candidates running for elected office from picking up ballots and delivering them to the board of elections.

He noted that over the past few years here have been accusations of absentee ballot fraud in Rockland County and reports of individuals picking up dozens of ballots. More than 5,100 absentee ballots were requested throughout Rockland County for the Nov. 5th General Election.

At present, there is no limit on the number of ballots that a designated person can pick up. The proposed law would also require that the individual picking up the ballots at the board of elections sign a certificate verifying that he or she has not exceeded the limit of two ballots.

“We are making these kinds of reforms in an effort to curb election manipulation and ensure the integrity of the absentee ballot process,” said Zebrowski. 

Current guidelines permit absentee ballots to be mailed to the registered voter’s address or a temporary address such as a college. Additionally voters can pick up their own absentee ballot or have it picked up by a designated individual. There is no cap on the number of absentee ballot that a designated individual can pick up.

Zebrowski said the absence of a limitation on the number of absentee ballots being picked up by one person leads to a concern of election manipulation. 

“I can understand a voter picking up a ballot for family member, whether it is a child in college or an ill parent, but one person gathering dozens of ballots gives the appearance of impropriety,” said Zebrowski.

The New York City Bar Association recommended a limit in a 2010 report supporting No-Excuse Absentee Voting and recently, a Dutchess County Grand Jury made a similar recommendation when investigating the election commissioner. 

Zebrowski said his bill would return integrity to the voting process while still protecting a voter’s right to use an absentee ballot.

“Above all, it is imperative that a voter’s access to the absentee ballot process be protected,” he said. “However, the absentee ballot process is meant to assist voters, not as a method for individuals to manipulate or control large numbers of votes.  We have a history of secret election ballots in this Country for a reason: to guard against undue influence and coercion.”

In Rockland the outcome of several races is still pending because of the large number of absentee ballots submitted for the General Election.

Read more of the coverage of the absentee ballot counting process since election day in these reports on Patch.

• Official Election Results Delayed by Impound Order
• Impound Order on Rockland Ballots Lfited
• Orangetown, Clarkstown Final Vote Results Still Pending
• Orangetown Absentees Counted, Clarkstown Pending