Category Archives: Interviews

Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny said there’s a stark difference in turnout between odd years, which feature local elections, and even years, with state and federal races on the ballot. “In Onondaga County, we average, in even years, 63% turnout,” Czarny said. “In local years, odd years, it’s 32% turnout, so it’s almostContinue reading “NY state legislature votes to move some local elections to even-numbered years – WRVO”

“Commissioner Czarny and his fellow Democrat elections commissioners officially remain neutral on the change, but he sees benefits. Specifically, the turnout. On average, he says Onondaga County has a 63% turnout in even years and 32% in odd years. … Commissioner Czarny and his fellow Democrat elections commissioners officially remain neutral on the change, butContinue reading “Ryan McMahon blasts suggested change to election calendar: ‘I’ve never seen anything more partisan’ – News channel 9”

Czarny said he’s convinced the changes in the other election years will ultimately be good for democracy. “There’s going to be higher participation and many more voters choosing their representatives,” Czarny said. “That’s always a good thing.” https://www.syracuse.com/politics/cny/2023/06/democratic-ny-lawmakers-vote-to-change-county-election-years-local-leaders-cry-foul.html

Threats against election commissioners and workers have soared amid a divided electorate. Czarny shares an example that came up at one meeting. “We had some commissioners that were afraid to go to their nephew’s baseball games because people in their community were targeting them just for the crime of counting the votes, like they should,”Continue reading “Onondaga County election official returns from high-level talks in Washington, D.C. – WAER”

“This is providing clarification that will now be followed,” said Dustin Czarny, chair of the Democratic Caucus of the New York State Elections Commissioner’s Association. He said the proposals bring in line best practices for the rare instances where issues arise with a ballot. Czarny added that he believes the legislation is intended to buildContinue reading “Late tweaks to Election Law pushed by Democrats in Albany – Times Union”

I appeared with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on Maine TV to talk about our trip to Washington on behalf of Issue One this week. “There are real people that are running our elections. Everyday people that are coming together, they’re civil servants and they’re trying to find a way to do a difficultContinue reading “Secretary Bellows heading to Washington D.C. to ask for safer elections – Fox Bangor News”

Dustin Czarny, the Democratic commissioner for the Onondaga Board of Elections, said they are also planning to rely on the affidavit ballot system unless the state Legislature or state Board of Elections advises them otherwise. “Affidavit is the right tool for it. It allows time to double check all things later in the electoral process,”Continue reading “New Yorkers can register to vote and cast their ballot on the same ‘golden’ day – Gothamist”

“State election law does not prohibit using the power of incumbency to promote a candidate’s work. It’s a fine ethical line often judged by the public rather than any enforcer, said Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny, a Democrat.” https://www.syracuse.com/news/2023/05/stimulus-money-buys-ryan-mcmahon-a-promotional-video-fit-for-a-campaign.html

Raquan Pride-Green and Hasahn Bloodworth were removed Friday from this year’s Democratic primary for Syracuse Common Council seats after their petitions were challenged. The two commissioners for the Onondaga County Board of Elections agreed with challengers who claimed some of the people passing petitions and some of the people who signed them were not Democrats,Continue reading “Two Syracuse council candidates, others tossed from primary ballot after petition challenges – Syracuse.com”

“Hank Chapman and Robert M. Oley were unofficially declared winners in the four way race for Village of Manlius Trustee, according to Onondaga County Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny.” https://cnycentral.com/news/local/unofficial-race-results-for-village-of-manlius-trustee