Colon says voting has always been important to her. But she fears this year, she and her neighbors in the Los Flamboyanes Apartment Building off of North Clinton Avenue may not have an easy option to do so.

“I want the right that we deserve,” said Colon. “We are United States citizens. We are human beings and we deserve respect too.”

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the polling location that’s usually in the lobby of her building has been moved. Hilda Rosario Escher, who’s running for the 56th Senate District, says she thinks this was intentional – in order to stop voters in the Upper Falls neighborhoods.

“This is voter suppression and it is wrong, and we can not stand this unopposed,” she said.

Escher is filing a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.

“Everyone knows voting is the basis of our democracy,” she said. “Hundreds of people will be denied their right to vote because of this action.”

But the Republican Commissioner for the Board of Elections says this is all about safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Having dozens of strangers enter the building, which has many vulnerable adults, could be dangerous.

Jeremy Cooney, who is also running in the Democratic Primary for the 56th District, says there are other options available.

“Lots of times it’s people of color, people in low income neighborhoods, or people in with mobility issues who are disenfranchised with the voting process,” he said. “So, how can we use technology and new funds to make sure they have access to their voices being heard?”

Fellow candidate Sherita Traywick agrees, and lists absentee ballots or rides to polling sites as safe alternatives. She says there is no ulterior motive.

“In light of the COVID concerns, I understand why we have limited polling sites,” she said. “If COVID hadn’t happened, then maybe I would have been thinking along those lines.”

— 13 WHAM