Cahill: West Hurley Public Library Elections Legislation Signed

Establishes More Convenient Hours for West Hurley Library Elections

August 22, 2011

Albany – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) announced that the Governor signed into law legislation that will allow the West Hurley Public Library Trustees to change the polling hours for their annual election to a time that is more convenient for voters. This measure, Assembly Bill 5791, establishes that the polls at the West Hurley Public Library are to remain open from 4:00pm until 8:00pm for the receipt of ballots.

The West Hurley Public Library requested this amendment to their charter to encourage a higher voter turn-out during the library's annual election. Currently, polling hours at the library are from 7:00pm until 10:00 pm. Library officials believe casting ballots at these late hours dissuade many from coming out and voting.

“Over the years, the late polling hours at the West Hurley Library has deterred many people from coming out and voting,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “By changing the time in which the polls are open to more reasonable hours, residents will be more likely to stop off on their way home from work or running errands to cast their vote during the library’s annual election.”

Additionally, the amendment provides the West Hurley Library Board with the option to expand the number of trustees to up to eleven individuals, if deemed necessary, to fit the needs of special projects.

“The Board of the West Hurley Public Library would like to express their appreciation to Assemblyman Kevin Cahill for his assistance in the passage of this legislation, authorizing revision of the hours of the library's annual election and reorganization of the Board of Trustees,” said Abby Gross, Chair of the Elections Committee at the West Hurley Public Library. “The change in hours will make it more convenient for our district voters and the Board will now have greater flexibility for various work loads.”

“Libraries are an investment in New York’s future and one of our most precious resources. Community libraries, like the West Hurley Library, provide invaluable services, helping to inspire children and adults to a life-long love of reading, assisting schools and families, and supplying information for businesses, Seniors and community organizations. We must continue to support the public library systems in this state as they are the foundation of our education system and make it possible for all New Yorkers to continue learning outside of the classroom,” concluded Assemblymember Cahill.

What's New