Are there other college students experiencing same problems- not being allowed to vote because they are studying remotely?
A HARTSDALE (Maria Regina grad) and U of Conn Cstudent having a hard time exercising her constitutional right to vote...Conn may claim that because she is studying remotely due to COVID she can't vote in Conn
election lawyers wanted to help make sure she gets to vote
Are other students experiencing similar problems???????????
Kaitlyn Dias is a student at the University of Connecticut in her sophomore year. She grew up in Hartsdale and reached out to me because she has had trouble with voting and feel like her constitutional right to vote is being taken away from her.
She is registered to vote in Connecticut because she resides there since she attends school at UConn. However, about a month ago she came back home to Hartsdale, NY due to the COVID-19 outbreak. When she applied for an absentee ballot on September 29, 2020, she received an email back notifying her that there was a problem with her application. she was told to call the office of the town of Mansfield, CT elections at 860-429-3302 ext. 4. Upon calling, she was told that the town will not allow her to vote there in person or by mail because as of a month ago she was temporarily staying at home. She was disenfranchised through no fault of her own due to the pandemic. She is a a first time voter and is very invested in this election. She believes that every vote counts and that her vote should be included in that statement. She was extremely excited to exercise her right to vote for the first time in this important upcoming election and is sick to her stomach about the situation she is in. She was brought to tears to know that she may not be allowed to vote. She has been looking forward to being able to have a say in our government since she was little and have always wanted to make a difference.
Today she contacted the Election Protection Hotline and received a lot of help in her situation. The Town of Mansfield, CT said she could reapply for an absentee ballot and they would consider her application, but no guarantee that it would be accepted. I have two concerns-- the Board of Elections in Mansfield Conn might be trying to shut her up - let her send in an application and then will reject it. Also - there are hundreds of students at colleges all over Conn and the nation that might be experiencing similar problems voting.I think it's disgraceful that college towns are making it difficult for students to exercise their right to vote and becoming excellent citizens who are participating in democracy. I have contacted Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer's office in DC and hope that election lawyers will consider reviewing this sad example of democracy not working the way it should be working. We should be applauding students who are not not apathetic - who want to participate in government and public policies. Attorneys interested in helping with this matter should e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. I'd also like to know if other students are experiencing similar problems.PAUL FEINERGreenburgh Town Supervisor