Dear Lucas,
Two weeks after New Yorkers went to the polls, three State Senate races remain too close to call, and the outcome of those races will determine which party controls the State Senate. As a valued supporter of our work, I want to update you on where we are in the process.
- In Nassau County, Senator Craig Johnson has cut into Jack Martin's lead by well over 50%. As of last night, just 211 votes separate Johnson and Martins . Approximately 4,000 absentee and affidavit ballots remain to be counted, and an audit of the voting machines is set to begin on Wednesday. This remains an incredibly competitive race and the momentum is swinging our way.
- In Westchester, Senator Oppenheimer continues to lead her opponent by 504 votes with over 5,000 absentee and emergency ballots yet to be counted. Republicans are artificially slowing down the process, but we're confident that when all the votes are counted, Senator Oppenheimer will retain her seat by a comfortable margin.
- In Buffalo, major problems were reported today in Erie County during a recanvass of voting machines. Memory sticks proved to be unreadable when examined by technicians. We are far from an accurate accounting of votes in Erie County. Additionally, over 4,000 absentee and affidavit ballots remain to be counted. We expect these ballots will break in Senator Thompson's favor.
Democrats remain committed to ensuring a full and fair accounting of very vote. But make no mistake, Republicans are going to use every trick in the book to rush the process and prevent a full and fair accounting of the votes.
I'd like to share with you two news articles that illustrate just how rough this will be, and how far Republicans will go to retake the majority:
- The Associated Press ran a piece today noting that our new voting machines, imperfect as they are, give us a paper trail to accurately count each vote. Unfortunately, unlike many other states, New York State law does not automatically require recounts, no matter how close the race. We face tough legal battles to ensure every vote is counted.
- The New York Times reported yesterday that national committees like the NRCC, and independent conservative groups like the anti-choice Susan B. Anthony List are pouring money into New York to help Republican candidates in these legal battles.
We've mounted the largest election protection effort in the history of the state of New York, and we won't give up until the voices of all New Yorkers are heard. When all the votes are in, I have no doubt that the Senate Democrats will retain the majority.
I'll have more updates for you as the counting process moves forward. If you have any questions, you should always feel free to contact me.
Thanks for your continued support.
Josh Cherwin
Executive Director
New York Senate Dems