Board Of Elections Fiasco

Listen in as Avi Cyperstein calls the BOE:  https://youtu.be/aoHIctfXlaQ  

The situation at early election sites for immigrant residents of Queens has been difficult to say the least. Rego Park locals have been lining up all week to participate in early voting. Community leaders from the Russian-speaking community of Rego Park had requested translators in their native tongue well in advance of early voting specifically to ensure that Russian speakers would get the needed assistance at the polls.

The leaders were subsequently informed that Russian translators would be made available. However, as of the afternoon of Thursday, October 29, when hundreds are coming out to vote despite the heavy rain, there are no Russian translators present at early voting sites. Earlier this week, the Board of Elections extended the times for early voting adding nine additional hours. Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (2 more hours), Saturday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (4 more hours), and Sunday: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. (3 more hours).

Residents are confused and fiasco has ensued. Avi Cyperstein, candidate for City Council in District 29, which includes Rego Park, was notified of the difficulties. The community activist made numerous attempts to contact the Board of Elections (BOE), with no response on the phone lines. Working alongside Rabbi Nochum Kaziev, a community leader and rav of Congregation Ohr Natan on Queens Boulevard, the duo decided to take matters into their own hands. Cyperstein reached out to volunteers from Chaverim of Queens, a nonprofit he operates, in hopes of arranging for a few volunteers to head to the polls to assist. Rabbi Kaziev dispatched a few volunteers of his own but when they arrived were informed by BOE officials that they cannot lend assistance without prior approval from headquarters. Rabbi Kaziev’s elderly and frail congregants have complained that they want to vote but do not know what to do and that the language barrier is making it very difficult.

“Where government has failed, community attempts to step in and government is getting in the way. This makes no sense!” said Cyperstein. The fact remains that other neighborhoods with a Russian-speaking population have Russian translators and the neglect at District 29 is alarming.

“The lack of translators will dissuade voters from exercising their rights especially when standing out in the heavy rain all day,” continued Cyperstein. “Many are elderly with medical conditions who came out despite their handicaps to vote and should not be made to stand in the cold. This is an absolute disgrace, is totally unacceptable and needs immediate attention,” concluded the candidate.

 

 

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