LETTER from BILL BUCCHERI

Election Professional Safeguard

The Rights Of The Voting Public

To the Editor:

With all the hype and misinformation about election security, I cannot remain silent. I would be remiss if I did not try to provide some facts.

I was the Democratic elections commissioner in Delaware County from 2001 to 2008. I was and am proud of the work elections officials do including the inspectors at the polls, the county commissioners, deputies, clerks, state commissioners, attorneys and staff at all levels and the secretaries of state throughout the nation.

We regularly attended conventions and continuing education seminars, interacting with officials from all counties and the state. These are dedicated honorable individuals who do their jobs with utmost integrity.

In 2002, the Help America Vote Act was passed and all states were required to comply with federal guidelines. The federal government paid a substantial amount of the cost, but some of the burden fell on the counties. Among many requirements for polling sites, training, accessibility for disabled voters and several-too numerous to mention here; we were required to purchase new machines which have a real paper trail and actual ballots which can be hand counted in the event of dispute or results with a very thin margin.

Reports we see and hear on Election Day never reflect official results. A lot of work goes into preparing for elections and re-canvassing and certifying results after the election. Typically, it takes a few weeks to complete the certification process.

Procedures for mail-in ballots are also stringent and secure.

I urge anyone with doubt to become familiar with NY state Election Law and the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Of course, each state has elections laws to protect the rights of voters and the integrity of the vote.

BILL BUCCHERI
Oneonta