Assemblyman Zebrowski (D-New City) announced today his plan to address the chaos and confusion caused by Tuesday’s Town of Ramapo ward election. His package of legislation will improve the transparency of town referendum votes and provide clarity to the archaic State law which governs these elections.

“The reports of misinformation and potential voter fraud from Tuesday’s ward referendum are deeply concerning and frankly, unacceptable. Residents need to have trust in local elections and I intend to reform the process in order to restore that trust,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.

The proposal includes four pieces of legislation which will:

• Ensure poll watchers are allowed at ballot referendum votes and place the authority to appoint these observers with the county Board of Elections.
• Require that all ballot referendums through a citizen petition be held at the next general election in November. This will allow ballot referendums be conducted by the County Board of Elections and save taxpayer dollars by consolidating elections.
• In all other special town elections which are not initiated by citizen petitions, the proposal will clarify that only registered voters with the Board of Elections may vote unless the Town establishes a pre-registration process for residents not registered to vote as provided by law. In Tuesday’s election it was unclear who could vote which led to confusion and misinformation.
• Prevent Towns from superseding State law in respect to who will draw the ward boundaries if a ward referendum is successful. State law clearly directs the County Board of Elections to draw the lines of the new wards but currently allows local governments to preempt this section of law. In 2004, Ramapo passed a local law in direct conflict of State law by removing the power from the Board of Elections and instead empowering the Town with that task; undoubtedly a conflict of interest.

“This package of bills will clean up local referendums by instituting common sense reforms that will save money, reduce disorder at polling places, and provide transparency at these important elections. We need to update the antiquated laws governing town elections that date back to the 1930’s. I am confident that we can improve the process for future elections,” said Zebrowski.

Zebrowski is also calling for an investigation into the reports of potential voter fraud, impersonation of governmental officials and improper conduct at polling places. Any residents who experienced any difficulty voting are encouraged to contact Assemblyman Zebrowski’s office at 845-634-9791.

"I look forward to working with Senator Carlucci and Assemblywoman Jaffee on these issues as they have expressed a desire to seek amendments to State law," concluded Zebrowski.