By Doug La Rocque
Daphne Jordan was joined by Assemblyman Jake Ashby and three area county sheriffs, when she called for legislation to be introduced. That legislation would reverse Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent Executive Order, that in her words, allows convicted sex offenders and murderers to vote at school and campus polling places in this Thursday, September 13, primary elections after 7 pm. Currently, all Level 3 sex offenders (the highest level of offense) are banned from being within 1000 feet of school grounds. Ms. Jordan referred to the Governor’s order as “outrageous” and said “I would call the ill-conceived policy pandering at its finest.”
Speaking at a press conference at the Rensselaer County Jail, the endorsed Republican Candidate for the 43rd State Senatorial District, said “the right to vote is a fundamental right of every American citizen and the standard by which one would forfeit that right must be very high. However, what is taken from a rape victim, a victim of child abuse, or a murder victim is far greater, and can often never be restored. That is why I propose legislation to permanently revoke voting privileges for anyone convicted of a Level 3 sex offense or a murder.”
Ms. Jordan was joined in her call for the legislation by Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo, Columbia County Sheriff David Bartlett and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo. Sheriff Bartlett said “nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our kids…if the Governor feels so impassioned about letting convicted felons vote, I’d recommend he find ways of doing it that doesn’t compromise the safety of our youth.” Sheriff Russo stated his department will employ increased vigilance around all the county’s schools not only after 7 pm, but for the entire day.
Jordan will face Democratic challenger Aaron Glad on Election Day, for the senate seat being vacated by the retiring Kathy Marchione. The Eastwick Press emailed Mr. Gladd for comment, but as of press time, has received no reply.