Security Renovations Finished At Putnam Board Of Elections

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County officials and employees visited Board of Elections headquarters on Old Route 6 last week to celebrate the completion of significant renovations.

At a press conference unveiling the upgraded facility, County Executive Kevin Byrne highlighted the importance of the BOE’s mission and the county’s commitment to ensuring it has the resources necessary to maintain secure and efficient elections.

"What is more core to our democracy than the Board of Elections, the board that is tasked with the mission of ensuring our elections are safe, secure, uncompromised by those who may seek to interfere and/or disrupt the fabric of what makes this country so great — our constitutional republic, our American - and I say this with a lower case 'd' - democracy," he said.

When he took office, Byrne said, he emphasized the need to professionalize and prioritize the core functions of county government.

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The renovations at the BOE were part of a broader initiative funded by the $2 million Facilities Improvement Fund created last year. With it, the county has already completed major improvements at the Koehler Senior Center, the highway department's deteriorating garage, and now, the Board of Elections.

Byrne was joined by county legislators, Board of Elections commissioners, and a large team of county employees at the event.

Some of the key upgrades to the BOE facility include:

• Exterior Improvements: A new roof, landscaping, and new siding replaced the outdated rusted metal façade, proper drainage to eliminate persistent flooding.
• Interior Enhancements: The facility now boasts a new training room, modernized interiors, and upgraded security features.
• Accessibility Improvements: An ADA-compliant sidewalk and ramp were added to ensure that the facility is accessible to all residents.
• Security Upgrades: Thanks to the IT Department, the BOE building is now equipped with a series of security cameras to enhance election security.
• New Signage: Updated easy to read sign for the public that continues to honor and bear the name of former Commissioner Bob Bennett (whose widow and children attended the event).

“It was special to have the Bennett family here to witness the unveiling of the upgrades," Commissioner Catherine Croft said. "These renovations have truly transformed our workspace into a modern facility that reflects the seriousness and importance of the work we do. With these upgrades, we’re better equipped to serve the voters of Putnam County and ensure that every election is conducted with the highest standards of security and transparency.”

Several lawmakers spoke of the need to conduct free, fair and transparent elections and ensure that residents can have confidence in them, including Legislator Bill Gouldman, who chaired the Physical Services Committee last year; Legislator Greg Ellner, the current Chair of the Physical Services Committee; Legislator Nancy Montgomery; and Chairman of the Legislature Paul Jonke.

The completion of the renovations comes just in time for the 2024 Presidential Election, ensuring that the Board of Elections and the incredible public servants there are fully prepared to handle what is expected to be a highly active election season, Byrne said. As the county looks ahead to the upcoming election, the renovated Board of Elections facility stands as a testament to Putnam County’s dedication to maintaining secure, fair, and transparent elections for all its residents.

“The improvements made to our facility are not just about aesthetics; they’re about creating an environment where our staff can perform their duties with the utmost efficiency and security," Commissioner Kelly Primavera said. "As we prepare for the upcoming elections, I’m confident that these changes will enable us to meet the challenges ahead and continue to uphold the integrity of our election process.”

It disturbed the County Executive upon taking office to learn that the Board of Elections had no security cameras at the facility, spokesman Christopher Formisano told Patch afterward. "It was an issue we immediately remedied, and have since proceeded to install a number of protective safety measures. This should give residents confidence that things like voting machines and ballots are constantly monitored and kept safe." He said he did not know of specific individual concerns or incidents.