Legislative Happenings
Vote-by-Mail
by Gary Bischoff

In an effort to communicate with citizens in the district, this paper has graciously offered me the opportunity to write a column. It will allow me to inform readers so they can stay informed about county government. In this column, I will cover an important presentation that was made at the June 13 Legislative session.

The Efficiency, Reform committee started a subcommittee to study the possibility of a Vote by Mail system for Ulster County. The committee met every week to research the issue and get to the point where they could make a recommendation to the legislature. The meeting started with a presentation by the vote-by-mail committee.
Here are the FAQs.

What is vote-by-mail?
It is a proven method that allows all registered voters to vote by mail with balloting taking place over a three-week period before Election Day. Each registered voter is mailed a ballot. Returned votes are counted on Election Day by machine or manually at the County Board of Elections. Counting is done on election night, and results could be available just as quickly as they are with the present system.

Why is there a cost savings?
Since all voters vote by mail, there would be no polling place in each election district. The cost savings occurs by not needing to hire four poll inspectors in each election district, far fewer machines will be needed saving purchase costs, maintenance costs, storage costs and most important programming and support for each election.

Isn’t vote-by-mail just absentee voting?
State law requires that a voter either be absent from the county or disabled to vote absentee, but Vote by Mail will allow all voters to vote by mail without any excuse.

Is Vote by Mail used anyplace else?
Oregon has successfully used statewide Vote by Mail. In Washington, 36 of 39 counties currently Vote by Mail, and they are going statewide in 2008. Almost half of California’s voters Vote by Mail. There are also about 20 states that allow “No Excuse” absentee voting by mail.

Why should we implement Vote by Mail?
It significantly increases voter participation. Costs are greatly reduced. There is a built in paper trail for accurate recounts. Voters have more time to study the ballot helping them make a more informed decision. It is convenient and less costly for voters. Elections are not affected by inclement weather or personal adversity.

What is the process for Vote by Mail?
1. All registered voters receive a Vote by Mail packet – ballot, return envelope with unique barcode and secrecy envelope about 20 days before Election Day.
2. Voter completes ballot and can return it by mail, take it to a designated drop site or deliver it to County Board of Election office.
3. County BOE verifies accuracy of information and signature on secrecy envelope and sorts by district.
4. On Election Day, ballots are tallied by machine or manually.

What about Security?
Security is an obvious concern. In actual practice, the system has worked successfully. There are federal penalties for tampering with US Mail. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of election fraud in vote-by-mail elections, varying from risks of multiple voting to the destruction of mailed ballots, but actual incidents are rare in practice and in fact are less likely than with our existing systems. Vote by Mail might increase the pressure of a dominant spouse to make their partner "vote right". However, there are penalties in place for anyone signing any other ballot, even a spouse.

Where can I get more information?
You can get more information about vote-by-mail at my web site – www.gary4ulster.com. Copies of the presentation can be picked up at my office at 160 Partition Street weekdays during the business day.

Can I tell you how I feel about Vote by Mail?
Yes. I am very interested in the opinions of voters on Vote by Mail and other issues. Please go to the web site www.gary4ulster.com and email your thoughts or call me at 246-6858.