Legislature Authorizes Purchase of Necessary Equipment for Early Voting

The Legislature, without dissent (Legislator Rich John was excused), authorized purchase of equipment necessary to implement Early Voting in Tompkins County, as now directed by New York State.  The Early Voting Act, passed at the beginning of this year, requires nine consecutive days of early voting prior to any General, Primary, or Special Election, beginning with this year’s General Election in November.  The nearly $250,000 allocation, to be funded through State aid (some of it coming from the Board of Elections’ “Help America Vote Act” fund balance) will purchase Electronic Poll Books and other equipment necessary to implement Early Voting, including first-year activation and data fees.  The Board of Elections’ Fiscal Target is also increased by more than $15,000 to cover such expenses beginning with the 2020 Budget.