In the aftermath of the recent general election, the Community Outreach Center (COC) has raised concerns over significant delays at Monsey polling locations, calling for immediate improvements to ensure smoother voting experiences in future elections. The organization formalized its concerns in a detailed letter sent to the Rockland County Board of Elections, urging immediate action to address the issues.
The COC reported receiving numerous complaints from voters who faced lengthy wait times at various polling stations, particularly at 229 Maple Avenue, where the average wait time was reported to be 30 minutes, with some voters experiencing delays of over an hour as the day progressed.
“Our community’s population has grown significantly in recent years,” said Rabbi Hersh Horowitz, Executive Director of the COC. “With critical issues like homeowner taxes and education on the ballot, voter turnout was exceptionally high, but the infrastructure wasn’t equipped to handle the surge.”
The COC highlighted its recent efforts to boost civic engagement, noting that its voter registration drive in October helped over 1,800 residents complete their registration. However, the inadequate preparations at polling locations left many voters frustrated and discouraged.
In its letter to the Rockland County Board of Elections, the COC urged a comprehensive review of the delays and proposed several solutions. These include adding more polling stations or substantially increasing staffing at existing sites to accommodate Monsey’s growing voter base.
“Long wait times not only inconvenience voters but also risk suppressing voter turnout, which is a cornerstone of our democratic process,” the letter emphasized.
The COC also expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Board of Elections to develop and implement strategies that will ensure a more efficient and accessible voting process for all residents in the future.
“We owe it to our community to make voting a seamless and inclusive experience,” Rabbi Horowitz added. “Our letter underscores the urgency of these changes, and we look forward to working together to address these concerns.”
