August 8, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

GOP Says NO to Early Voting Site in the City of Troy

 An effort by the Democratic Minority Legislators to establish an Early Voting site in Troy was defeated with Republican opposition in committee.

The Rensselaer County Board of Elections have officially established early voting sites that are located in the towns of Schodack and Brunswick, both miles from the City of Troy. “The early voting initiative was intended to make it easier for voters to cast their ballot. Travel to these sites by public transportation (CDTA) is, in fact, a hindrance, and not a help to voters”, said Legislator Mark Fleming.  The Brunswick Town Office, one of the official sites is over 2 miles past the last bus stop coming from Troy with no sidewalks. The Schodack Town Hall, the second site, is accessible only from a bus that leaves from Albany”, said Legislator Mark Fleming.

The City of Troy has the greatest population of residents that rely on public transportation.  Among these are the elderly, the poor, students and minorities.  “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and it is crucial that Troy has an early voting site to ensure that these constituents can accomplish their civic duty in a reasonable manner,” stated Deputy Minority Leader Cindy Doran.

At this month’s Public Forum, the Legislature heard from several organizations, election inspectors and residents of Rensselaer County supporting an Early Voting site in Troy, hoping the GOP would reconsider their stance. The request of $ 7,500 to match the city funding seemed reasonable and fair and would avoid the perception of voter suppression in the county.