Voting machines across Westchester County, New York, are unable to accept paper ballots, prompting officials to implement emergency procedures to ensure all votes are counted. The Westchester County Board of Elections (BOE) confirmed the issue Tuesday morning, stating that paper ballots rejected by machines will be placed in secure emergency bags for later counting.
"Voters should continue to complete their paper ballots as instructed by poll workers," the BOE said in a statement. "Ballots that cannot be processed by voting machines will be placed in designated orange emergency ballot bags, which will remain secure and monitored. These ballots will subsequently be counted."
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins acknowledged the problem, calling the situation "unacceptable" and directing county officials to monitor the process and ensure votes are counted accurately and without interference. He pledged a review to determine accountability and prevent future occurrences.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., initially alerted voters to the problem, noting that the cause was unknown but that all ballots would be counted. He later told CNN that the issue appeared to stem from the thickness and formatting of the paper ballots, preventing machines from reading them.
"Every ballot will be counted," Lawler stated. "Stay on line and vote. Do not leave the polling place without voting."
The BOE echoed Lawler's assurance, urging voters to remain patient and cast their ballots. "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," the board said, also apologizing for the inconvenience.
New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed her office is monitoring the situation and is in contact with election officials. She reminded voters of the Election Protection Hotline, (866) 390-2992, for those experiencing issues at the polls. "Your votes will count," James stated.
Voters expressed concerns about the reliability of the emergency ballot process. "I got a problem with this," said voter Linda Giaimo, regarding the plan to collect ballots in bags. Another voter, Patrick Reagan, expressed hope that all votes would be properly accounted for.
Polls in New York opened at 6 a.m. and are scheduled to close at 9 p.m. The BOE stated it is working with vendors to resolve the machine issue.