Ceretto, Maziarz fight for voting rights in Niagara Falls

Call for restoration of polling sites

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-C-I-Lewiston, and State Sen. George Maziarz, R-C-I-Newfane, are calling on the Niagara Falls School Board to improve voting access for Niagara Falls residents by restoring polling sites in the city. Currently, there are eight polling places provided by the school board. The elected leaders said this number does not allow adequate access for people to exercise their most basic, fundamental rights in a democracy. Ceretto and Maziarz want the number of polling sites increased to 2012 levels, which would give residents 23 places to vote.

"The people of Niagara Falls deserve an equal voice in government, and this voice is secured through voting access during elections. We have a responsibility to ensure that the residents of Niagara Falls have easy, fast access to the polls on Election Day," Ceretto said. "When such basic rights in a democracy are at stake, we must make sure that everyone is allowed to exercise their right to vote."

Maziarz added, "Niagara Falls residents deserve to have every possible opportunity to hold their elected officials accountable. If residents can't get to the polls because they live or work too far away, then they don't have full access to the political process. That cannot be tolerated in this day and age."

The politicians said an increase in the number of polling locations would help increase turnout in elections and magnify the voice of Niagara Falls residents. In particular, more polling locations would help residents who rely on public transportation, senior citizens and people with disabilities. More polling locations would reduce travel distance and time waiting in line to vote, which has been proven to increase voter participation in elections.