Deal Could Allow 'Emergency Ballots' Count Tonight, Campaigns Urge Voters Not To Be Dissuaded

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Both candidates in a hotly contested race for the 17th Congressional District are urging their supporters to not be dissuaded by technical issues at polling places across Westchester County.

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"As we have said repeatedly throughout the day, if you're in line to vote anywhere in our district, but especially in Westchester County, STAY IN LINE and cast your ballot," incumbent Mike Lawler said in message to supporters. "

His opponent, a Westchester resident, experienced the issues at the polls firsthand when she voted early this morning.

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"Nothing should stand between Westchester voters and their right to make their voice heard in this election," Democrat Challenger Cait Conley said. "There are currently technical issues with ballot scanners, but we are closely monitoring the process to ensure that every Westchester vote is counted. The Board of Elections is working diligently, in a bipartisan manner, to resolve the issue. The polls are open and operational. Please stay in line, cast your ballot, and make your voice heard."

Lawler's camp said a bipartisan plan is in the works that could allow the counting of tens of thousands of ballots set aside to begin tonight, under the watch of representatives from both parties.

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"We expect to start counting Westchester ballots TONIGHT, once we reach a bipartisan agreement with Cait Conley's campaign, the State and Local Boards of Elections, and national parties," the two-term congressman said. "After that happens, the ballots will be taken to a central, secure location under police escort and counted with Republican and Democrat oversight, as it should be given the circumstances."