The Westchester County Board of Elections says a countywide voting problem is being caused by the thickness of paper ballots, which is preventing voting machines from accepting ballots at polling locations across the county.
In a statement Tuesday morning, election officials stressed that voting is continuing and that every ballot will be counted. Voters are being instructed to complete their ballots as directed by poll workers and place them in designated orange emergency ballot bags while technicians work to resolve the issue.
The Board of Elections said the emergency ballot bags will remain secure and monitored, and that ballots will be counted in accordance with election procedures. Officials said they are working with New York state officials, county government leaders and poll workers to address the problem as quickly as possible.
“We strongly encourage all voters to remain in line, exercise patience and, most importantly, cast their ballots,” the board said.
The agency apologized for the disruption and reiterated that voters should not be discouraged from participating in the election.
“Every eligible vote will be counted. No voter should be discouraged from participating in this election because of this issue,” the statement said.
Full statement
The Westchester County Board of Elections (BOE) is aware of an issue involving the thickness of paper ballots that is preventing voting machines from accepting ballots at polling locations throughout the County. The Westchester Board of Elections wants to reassure every voter that your vote matters, your ballot will be secure and your vote will be counted.
The Board of Elections is in constant communication with New York State officials, Westchester County Government and poll workers to address this issue and ensure that voting continues with as little disruption as possible. In the meantime, voters should continue to complete their paper ballots as instructed by poll workers. Ballots will be placed in designated orange emergency ballot bags, which will remain secure and monitored. These ballots will subsequently be counted in accordance with applicable election procedures.
We strongly encourage all voters to remain in line, exercise patience and, most importantly, cast their ballots.
The BOE sincerely apologizes to voters and poll workers for the inconvenience this situation has caused, and the BOE recognizes the importance of a smooth and efficient voting process. They are taking every necessary step to address the issue as quickly as possible.
Let us be absolutely clear: Every eligible vote will be counted. No voter should be discouraged from participating in this election because of this issue. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Please stay in line and vote.
