Dozens of local elected officials Monday urged state and county agencies to investigate the possible abuse of absentee ballots in multiple races in Albany County. Officials at a press conference in front of the state Board of Elections on North Pearl Street called on the state Board of Elections, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and District Attorney David Soares to investigate the use of absentee ballots. That followed a letter, sent last week, signed by 40 elected officials after the Times Union reported on concerns that voters in some city races were being misled about valid reasons for absentee ballot voting — particularly in the 11th Ward, where incumbent Common Councilman Judd Krasher is running on the Independence Party line after losing the Democratic primary to challenger Alfredo Balarin.
There are questions about the number of absentee ballots in the city’s 5th Ward and the Colonie town clerk’s race as well.
The group of elected officials has collected 45 sworn statements from people who say they were misled when they filled out absentee ballot applications and more are coming, said Albany City Treasurer Darius Shahinfar.
The letter, dated Oct. 27, is signed by Sheehan, state Assembly members Patricia Fahy, Phil Steck and John T. McDonald, state Sen. Neil Breslin and Shahinfar along with numerous Common Council members and county legislators.
Full Article: Albany pols call on state, local officials to probe absentee ballots – Times Union.