How can 3,000 absentees be floating around already?
By To the Editor
Published: April 23, 2018
I am writing this letter to express a grave concern I have regarding the influx of absentee ballots. To my understanding, absentee ballots were designed to be used by those who are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day. Such as people in the armed services or those who are away on vacation.
This year’s municipal election will be one for the history books. It is without a shadow of a doubt the most complex race in the city’s history. I feel compelled to alert the community and especially the voters as to the tricks being played by certain campaign teams to take this election by force.
I keep hearing reports from residents that campaign teams are knocking on doors with absentee ballots on hand. This is not only deceptive but it is an affront to the process of democracy.
Are these campaign teams afraid of what might happen at the polling sites? Apparently, they are. So, they grab the votes ahead of time so as not to worry about it Election Day.
As a community activist, I am calling on the Passaic County Superintendent of Elections to look into this matter carefully with a fine-tooth comb. Something in the water isn’t clear here.
How can 3,000 absentees be floating around already? Someone intends to steal this election by any means necessary.
If this absentee ballot fiasco isn’t brought under control soon it will serve to undermine our democracy in Paterson once again. Some candidates will literally walk into Election Day with thousands of votes before the polls even open.
Paterson voters must understand that if you sign an absentee ballot you cannot vote at the polls on Election Day. You have already cast your vote, whether you are aware of it or not. Don’t allow anyone to coerce you into handing over your vote.
Corey L. Teague
Activist and former school board member