Statement From Ann Marie Buerkle On Absentee Ballots

Ann Marie Buerkle

“It has recently come to my attention that there are efforts underway in Upstate New York to contact individuals who cast absentee ballots in the 25th Congressional District and inquire how they may have voted in the recent election. It is regrettable that this action is underway prior to those absentee votes being tabulated by county election officials. While the reasons for this effort are unclear – many agree it could be an attempt by some to identify who each person voted for in an effort to disqualify certain eligible ballots from being counted.

I would like the public to know that my campaign is not connected to this current effort. Further, no American – in Upstate New York or anywhere – is in anyway under obligation to provide information to anyone on how he or she voted in any election, including my own.”

“This Thursday is Veteran’s Day, and as Americans we will pause to honor all of our veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect the rights of all Americans. It is disappointing that such an activity would be underway at the same time our men and women in uniform are serving overseas to protect these very freedoms.”

“If anyone is contacted in this effort please know that your vote is privileged, and under no circumstances should an individual be pressured in to revealing how their vote was cast. If you are contacted, ask them to provide their full name, for whom they work, why they are seeking this information and if you are required to provide this information.” ###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Ann Marie Buerkle for US Congress