Copake Town Board Member Robert Sacks read the following statement to the full Board. The resolution which follows was then passed unanimously.
There is a crisis happening in Columbia County, a crisis of historic proportions. One of the most fundamental American rights is currently under attack. That is the right to vote.
Our next door neighbors in the town of Taghkanic are having their right to vote challenged by the County Republican Party. They are saying that second homeowners do not have the right to choose where they can vote. They have gone so far over the edge, as to question the right to vote of a blind WWII veteran of the United States Marine Corps. They have challenged this man's right to vote because this blind veteran wished to vote as an absentee. Does that make sense to you?
These are very dangerous times in my opinion when any American has to wonder if they still have the right to vote.
I have been to the Supreme Court four times in the last ten days, and I have learned a great deal about our election law.
I have listened very carefully in court. The process and rules to register to vote are very simple. To register to vote requires only three qualifications -- citizenship, age, and residence.
So, why is this so important to Copake?
Copake is filled with citizens and voters who have legitimate second residences. They pay taxes here, they spend money here, they sleep here, they attend our churches, join Copake committees and attend our town meetings here. They are emotionally and actively involved to Copake.
As the blind veteran from Taghkanic, Red Meier, who I mentioned earlier said it much better than I could. in a letter to the paper he said, "I never expected to live out my life in a town/county/state that at best should be called an oligarchy and at worst a fascist state. This is not my idea of Democracy. Please join me in speaking out against this clear violation of the basic American right to vote."
I agree with Red.
The Taghkanic case is just a test case and Copake will be next. If the County Republicans have their way, 50% of the homeowners in Copake will not be allowed to vote in the next election. It is critical that this town board stands up to this challenge and support everyone's right to vote.
I am asking this town Board to pass the following resolution and that the town board take a stand and protect the rights of our citizens.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, litigation is currently under way in the New York Supreme Court in Hudson challenging the right of second home owners to chose which home they may select as their residence for voting purposes; and
WHEREAS, the plaintiffs in that litigation are attempting to suppress votes cast by absentee ballots from second home owners on the theory that their second home is not their residence,
WHEREAS, half of the residences in the Town of Copake are owned and occupied by second home owners; and
WHEREAS, more than half of the Town and School taxes collected from properties in the Town of Copake are paid by other than full time residents; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Copake Town Board supports the right of second home owners to choose to vote in the county where they maintain a residence.
2. The Copake Town Board opposes the attempt to disqualify voters on the basis that their second home is not a residence.
Dated this 12th day of December, 2009.
REGINALD CROWLEY
DAN TOMPKINS
WALTER KIERNAN
ROBERT SACKS
LINDA GABACCIA
