To the Editor:

In this year’s State of the State speech, Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed reforms to the way New Yorkers vote: automatic or same-day voter registration and early voting. These initiatives make voting more accessible to New Yorkers.

They are welcome changes to the state’s voting system given that New York is one of only 13 states remaining that does not have early voting. In voter turnout, New York State ranks an abysmal 41 — not good for a state that claims to be progressive.

The importance of these initiatives prompted me to attend a lobby visit to my state senator, George Amedore. This was part of the Let NY Vote day of action (letnyvote.org), a day dedicated to advocating for support for these voting reforms.

A group of us met with a staff person from Senator Amedore’s office. The staffer was polite, listening to our talking points and our requests.

Then we asked what is Senator Amedore’s position on early voting. The staffer deflected the question by saying that he could not speak for Senator Amedore. We asked if he could find out and we would call back in one week.

He agreed to this; however, when I called back, he had no information to offer and had no plans to follow up on our request.  Mine is not an isolated case; several other people from the group have tried following up with Senator Amedore’s office and could not get an answer.

Why is it so hard to get Senator Amedore’s position on early voting or automatic voter registration?  Is he not taking a stance because he does not support the reforms but does not want to admit that to his constituents?  I have been on other lobby visits to this senator’s office and have received similar treatment each time. Why is he so reluctant to take a stand on a position?

Let’s all call his office and ask for some answers. Otherwise, how are we to know if he is really representing our interests?

Carol Smith

Guilderland