Election Integrity Fight: Passaic GOP Threatens Lawsuit Over Rejected Ballot Security and Vote-by-Mail Speed
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ – With the November 4 General Election fast approaching, the Passaic County Board of Elections is facing a major challenge—and a potential lawsuit—from the Passaic County Republican Organization (GOP). Republicans are pushing for enhanced ballot security procedures and the immediate commencement of early canvassing for vote-by-mail (VBM) ballots, demands which the Board of Elections has so far rejected.
The core of the dispute centers on election transparency, security, and, critically, the speed at which the county releases its results.
GOP’s “Common-Sense” Security Demands
The Republican organization, led by counsel Mark Semeraro, claims their requested changes are not “radical reforms” but “common-sense safeguards” already utilized in neighboring counties like Bergen and Essex.
The specific security measures requested by the Passaic GOP include:
- Security Cameras: Installation of surveillance cameras inside ballot storage rooms.
- Two-Party Lock System: Implementing a security system that requires two individuals (one from each party) to access the ballots.
- 24-Hour Security: Posting a Sheriff’s Officer at the Board of Elections offices around the clock.
The Fight for Early Canvassing
Perhaps the most contested demand is the request to begin opening Vote-by-Mail ballots five days before Election Day. State law permits this practice, and other counties use it successfully to speed up result tabulation.
Semeraro argues that Passaic County has a documented history of slowly releasing election results, sometimes taking over a week after Election Day. “There is no justification for Passaic County’s failure to engage in the early opening and canvassing of Vote-by-Mail ballots,” Semeraro stated, emphasizing that all New Jerseyans deserve a speedy and accurate election night.
Allegations of “Abdication of Responsibility”
In a formal letter to Board of Elections chairman John Currie (who also serves as the Passaic County Democratic chairman), Semeraro accused the panel of “intentional silence” and an “abdication of responsibility.”
The GOP alleges that in an age of technological speed, the refusal to adopt proven security and efficiency measures is unacceptable. The looming threat of a lawsuit indicates the Republican organization is prepared to take legal action to force the adoption of these measures ahead of the critical November 4 election.
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Dead people always seem to vote for Democratic candidates. Ever notice that..?
The only reason to object to these security measures is if you intend to cheat
Common sense, once again defeated.