Wrong date for Election Day in Westchester Spanish mailing

by integrityforamerica | November 3, 2008 at 05:55 pm

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Wrong date for Election Day in Westchester Spanish mailing
The Associated Press

Updated Monday, November 3rd 2008, 5:03 PM

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The wrong date for Election Day was printed in the Spanish-language section of a letter sent to thousands of suburban voters, officials said Monday.

Westchester County made automated calls to voters in eight municipalities over the weekend in an attempt to correct the mistake, but one Hispanic official said she worried that some voters might be confused.

"I think most people do know when Election Day is, but if you get an official letter from the Board of Elections that tells you another day, you might be confused," said Grace Heymann, director of the Westchester Hispanic Coalition.

"I would especially worry about first-time voters," she said. "We have been working hard to get out the vote, and we are getting some questions because of this letter."

The mailing, about the availability of ballot marking devices used by disabled voters, was in English and Spanish. The Spanish section said Election Day was Nov. 9 instead of Nov. 4.

As elected officials scramble to get the correct information out, a major mistake could possibly have an impact within certain districts. With people working many hours and sometimes more then one job this mailing could reach a group of people who are first time voters. Although we take it for granted that everyone knows when to vote, for some voters this mail out could be the difference between voting and missing the opportunity.

Westchester County officials have reached out to communities to correct the mistake.

Hopefully its not too late.

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