In a 4-1 vote, the Williston Park village board approved a resolution limiting a voter who spoils a ballot to three chances.
Trustee Theresa Thomann voted against the resolution at a work session Monday.
According to the resolution, if a voter spoils two ballots their third is the last one allotted.
Village Clerk Julie Kain said the resolution was written following a course she attended with the county regarding the new machines the village is using during the March 20 election.
Kain said these are the county guidelines.
This is the first election where the village is using the ballot scanner machines that are widely used in other areas of the county.
It was advised to create a rule based on the risk and expense of the ballots, which are about 47 cents each, Kain said.
Thomann asked how it is a voter’s fault if the machine is not functioning.
Kain said the rule will apply only if the voter messes up the ballot.
Thomann asked if a voter can hand in a paper ballot after reaching the three-ballot limit.
Kain said no, she will only have scannable ballots available.
Thomann’s term is ending this year, and she is not seeking re-election.
Trustee Kevin Rynne is seeking re-election and faces two challengers, Bill O’Brien and Williston Park Fire Chief Richard Sais.
Mayor Paul Ehrbar is also seeking re-election and faces former Williston Park Fire Department Chief Anthony Gagliardi.
Village Justice Kevin Riley is running unopposed for re-election.
The village elections will be held on March 20 at Village Hall from noon to 9 p.m.
At the meeting the board also set a budget workshop date for March 24, the Saturday after the election, at 8 a.m.
