On September 25, many voters in New York Assembly District 116 received a letter from

Assemblyman Mark Walczyk. It read, “Recent data from the Board of Elections has shown my

opponent’s supporters are mailing in absentee applications at twice the rate of my supporters.

That’s why I’ve included an absentee ballot application and postage for you.”

On its face, this is a good thing. It combines what should be two of the highest priorities for any elected official: supporting free and fair elections and keeping people safe. I fully support any effort to help our community cast their ballots in a way that is safe and secure for both the vote and the voter.

But I do have to ask: shouldn’t those priorities always guide us as your representatives? Not just when “my supporters” are trailing in ballot applications? The bill ( A.10833 ) that made it possible to request an absentee ballot out of concern for the pandemic was bipartisan. Nearly half of Republican members in the Assembly voted in favor, because it just made sense. Mark Walczyk voted no.

There were other bipartisan bills that passed to enhance voter access and participation. One ( S.1102 ) expanded the in-person early voting period to improve access for voters who prefer not to cast a mail-in ballot. Another ( A.774 ) made it easier for students and younger citizens to register, ensuring they would be on the voter rolls when they were eligible to vote. All of these bills included specific security provisions to maintain the integrity of the election and ensure the fundamental principle of one person, one vote.

Mark Walczyk voted no on each of these bills.

I strongly believe that in a healthy democracy, each citizen participates in elections that are secure and accurately reflect the will of voters. I believe that as elected officials, we are entrusted and charged with protecting our voters and our democracy by making it possible for all votes to be cast safely and securely.

If I am fortunate enough to become your representative in Albany, keeping you safe, preserving the integrity of our elections, and helping you vote will always be top priorities. Not just when it could help my own campaign.

Alex Hammond

Democratic nominee for 116th NYS Assembly District