Concerns over voter interference and election integrity emerged early this morning at PS 164 in Queens, NY, where scanner malfunctions reportedly disrupted the voting process during the ongoing 2024 elections, Matzav.com has learned.

Voters were initially told to leave their ballots with election workers due to problems with the scanning machines. As a result, it is claimed that hundreds of ballots have been voided.

A call has gone out for individuals who cast their votes before 8:30 AM to return and vote again, sparking outrage among some community members.

One local resident, Olga Shimanova, shared her alarming experience on social media, stating that upon arriving to vote, she was informed that her ballot had already been cast on October 27, a date she insists she did not vote. Despite filling out an affidavit to rectify the issue, she was told her vote for the day would not be counted. Shimanova’s neighbor, who was volunteering at the site, disclosed that his deceased mother still appeared on the voter rolls despite multiple attempts to have her name removed.

Reacting to these incidents, community members expressed frustration, likening the situation to that of a “banana republic,” questioning the integrity of the voting system, and calling for accountability and transparency.

In response to the reports, the NYC Board of Elections released a statement confirming the technical issues at some polling locations in Queens. The statement assured that technicians were dispatched promptly, and all 290 sites in the borough were inspected. Voters were reportedly able to continue casting their ballots either by rescanning or placing them in the emergency bin as per protocol. The Board emphasized that all votes would be counted and sought to reassure the public of the system’s integrity.

The incident has reignited debates over the effectiveness of election protocols and voter confidence, especially in light of recurring technical challenges.

{CB Frommer – Matzav.com}