“No Excuse” Absentee Voting

A very easy way to increase voter turn out in New York State, and especially in Rockland County, is to enact “no excuse” absentee voting. Currently, “no excuse” absentee voting is not allowed in 21 states, including New York. In such states, excuses like having to work and a lack of a babysitter or transportation to the polls are not considered legitimate excuses. A majority of other states offer voters the option of voting by mail for any reason, and the State of Oregon holds its entire election completely by mail.
As a young professional, I know all too well how many in our community, especially people right out of college, live in Rockland and commute out of the county every day. Battling the traffic on the Tappan Zee Bridge and traversing 287 should be reason alone to be able to vote absentee. Many commuters would benefit from “no excuse” absentee voting.
The men and women that work hard at the Board of Elections have a great deal of responsibility in protecting the integrity of our elections. By eliminating this requirement of excuses, the Board of Elections can spend more time on making sure that the people applying for an absentee ballot are actually registered and are who they claim to be, instead of deciding whether or not their excuses for an absentee ballot fall under the requirements of New York State election law.
Our community can benefit greatly by allowing all of our residents the opportunity to vote absentee, no matter what their reason may be.

Scouting the Records

Town Clerk David Carlucci recently welcomed Boy Scout Pack Number 46, Den Number 8, who took a tour of the Town Clerk’s office and looked at some historical documents, prior to attending a Town Board Meeting. The Boy Scouts visited town hall to learn how local government works. The Den Leaders are Robert Welsome and Alan Sutherland. The Scouts are Jack Welsome, Alexander Sutherland, Carrington Gregori, Nicholas Fischetti, Zachary Lipson, Marc Ronda, John Parrott, and Michael Parrott. For other youth groups interested in a tour of the Town Clerk’s office, please call David Carlucci at 845-639-2010.

American Democracy Institute

Recently, Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci was invited to attend the American Democracy Institute Leadership Forum at NYU. American Democracy Institute (ADI) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization comprised of a network of young leaders from various industries. ADI works with emerging leaders, ages 25-40, based on their records of accomplishment and commitment to positive social change. ADI Forums focus on skill-building programs, problem-solving initiatives, and growing a network of top young leaders. Please visit www.clarkstownclerk.com or call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at 845-639-2010 for more information or questions.