We want to express our deep concern about voter suppression in Great Neck.
Several years ago, polling was moved from the Great Neck Social Center (Senior Center) to the fire station on Prospect Street in Thomaston.
Voting there takes place on the second floor at this location and parking is virtually non-existent, limiting access for those who are disabled or live far away.
Hundreds of apartment building residents, many of them seniors, who live in the immediate vicinity of the Center, used to have the convenience of accessible voting by just walking across the street or up the block to its location on Grace Avenue and Gilchrest Road.
After many years, representatives from different agencies worked tirelessly to restore the voting venue at the Center, which would have encouraged a robust turnout; Republican Board of Elections Commissioner Joseph Kearney is the only official who refuses to allow voting there.
Voting is fundamental to our democracy. It is incumbent upon Commissioner Kearney to carry out the mission of the NYS Board of Elections, that is, to ensure that every citizen has an equal opportunity to exercise his/her right to vote by having easy access to the polls.
All voices matter, including those of our seniors; we should listen and we should act.
If you have been adversely affected by the relocation of the Great Neck Plaza voting poll, contact Commissioner Joseph J. Kearney at (516) 571-8683. When you speak to someone, say you would like to leave a message for Commissioner Kearney.
The Executive Board of Reach Out America.
Josie Pizer
Great Neck
