(UPDATE) Lacorte Back On Democratic Primary Ballot

A late night court decision returned Dagan Lacorte to the Democratic primary ballot in the race for Rockland County executive. The ruling sent out after 9 p.m. on Monday was revised with a second corrected decision sent out Tuesday afternoon. However, David Fried, one of Lacorte’s two Democratic opponents, already filed a Notice of Appeal, which will possibly be heard by the Second Department Appellate Division in Manhattan on Tuesday.

Despite the uncertainty, the county Board of Elections scheduled a Thursday morning ballot draw for the three Democrats seeking the county executive’s position. At that time Ilan Schoenberger, Lacorte and Fried will get their assigned positions on the ballot for the September 10th primary. 

County Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner Kristen Stavisky said the candidates or their representatives pick a numbered ball that determines whether they wind up listed in the first, second or third place on the ballot. 

“It’s literally like we have Bingo balls,” said Stavisky.

She said she has to speak with the candidates to find out if they would want to hold another draw if Fried’s appeal is successful. 

“It really depends on what everyone draws,” she said. 

Stavisky said the corrected decision issued by Supreme Court Judge Gerald Loehr reduced the number of validated signatures on Lacorte’s petition from 2,096 to 2,024. Late last month, the Board of Elections declared Lacorte’s 4,300 plus signature petition was flawed.  He appealed to the county Supreme Court last week.

Fried’s Campaign Manager Stephen Papas noted that 2,024 signatures was a narrow margin over the 2,000 required. On Wednesday, he said the campaign had submitted a Notice of Appeal to Lacorte and the county attorney’s office. Papas said they were working on a brief to submit to the court on Thursday. 

Lacorte issued a brief statement. 

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling validated my signatures and ensured that my name will remain on the ballot.  With this behind us, I will continue sharing my plans to clean up Rockland County Government.”

On Monday, Loeher dismissed Vladimir Leon’s appeal to have his petition’s invalid status removed. Fried also challenged the fellow Democrat’s petition and the Board of Elections declared it was flawed. 

Stavisky noted the appeal process has an impact on preparing and sending out primary ballots to residents stationed outside the county in the military and absentee ballots. 

“It’s a very condensed time period to get a lot done,” said Stavisky.

She said military ballots will be printed and sent out Friday and absentee ballots should be sent out next Monday. If there are changes, Stavisky said new versions of the ballot will be sent. 

“It’s the military ballots right now which are the real issue,” she explained.

In-person and mail voter registration ends Friday, August 16. People who want to vote in the September 10th primary must have their application postmarked by the 16th or submitted in person.  The general election is November 5th.