A resolution demanding an independent audit of the state’s 2020 and 2022 elections has finally gained traction in Middleburgh.
For the third time in as many months, Thursday, volunteers from New York Citizens Audit asked elected officials to sign on to a resolution demanding an independent review of election returns, claiming the number of votes cast doesn’t match the number of registered voters.
The state Board of Elections disputes NYCA’s math and claims they’re not comparing apples to apples, Schoharie County Election Commissioner Ken Schweigard warned the Board of Supervisors in January.
But Middleburgh Supervisor John Youmans and councilmen had heard enough.
“I want to support an audit,” Mr. Youmans said. “I have very strong confidence that the county follows the process, but I’m alarmed at the way the state proceeds.”
Mr. Youmans said he wants some time to review the sample resolution offered by NYCA’s Esther Chiafolo and other volunteers “and possibly come up with one that fits us better.”
That’s fine, Ms. Chiafolo said.
“We’re just happy if you sign any resolution.”
To date, she said, 54 or 55 other towns have signed their resolution or one like it.
NYCA is non-partisan; they’re not claiming election fraud, Ms. Chiafolo said—though adding later, “It appears to be less visible at the county level. There are a lot of people who question the election.”
Councilman and former supervisor Pete Coppolo is one who does believe there was fraud.
“I’m a firm believer that there was a lot of voter fraud and something needs to be done to put an end to it,” he said angrily.
And, “I don’t care what’s in your report. There is fraud.”
Councilwoman Carrie Shaul said she watched a video on the NYCA website “and it was alarming.”
It wasn’t clear which video Ms. Shaul was alarmed by: the six videos on the website include interviews by NYCA Director Marly Hornik on The Mike Lindell Election Summit, the Joe Robach Show, “Unleashed” with Heidi Ganahl, and “Search Warrant.” At least Mr. Lindell and Ms. Ganahl have disputed the results of the 2020 Presidential election.
Mr. Youmans also criticized—mistakenly—the state Board of Elections for referencing fact-checking by PolitiFact in a November 28, 2023 letter to local legislatures.
He referred to the organization as Politico, “which tried to cancel people on Facebook,” he said.
The two are different.
Councilman and former supervisor Wes Laraway suggested any challenge be done at the county level, but said he shares NYCA’s concerns.
“There are so many numbers and facts that could be challenged,” he said.
Highway Superintendent Steve Kowalski also weighed in “as an individual,” saying he was alarmed that the Board of Supervisors “already made the decision” not to support an audit.
“What’s the harm in checking?” he asked.