Democratic Coalition Of Hillsborough Plans Panel On Voting Rights

Press release from the United Democratic Coalition of Hillsborough:

Sept. 10, 2021

The United Democratic Coalition of Hillsborough will host a free online panel discussion on voting rights and ballot security on September 20 at 7 pm. The event will feature New Jersey’s top election official, Secretary of State Tahesha Way, as well as Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter, and Somerset County Board of Elections Commissioner Christian R. Mastondrea.

“Voting rights and ballot security are among the most important issues in the United States today. Protecting the right for all eligible Americans to vote is vital to the health of our democracy” said United Democratic Coalition of Hillsborough President Adam Beder.

“The 2020 election raised lots of questions about ballot security across the county. Today, legislation in Texas, Georgia, and other states to restrict voting access dominates national headlines. This event will help to educate voters on New Jersey’s voting laws and election officials’ efforts to secure elections in Somerset County and across the state” said United Democratic Coalition of Hillsborough Vice-President Michele Kidd.

Tahesha Way serves as New Jersey’s 34th Secretary of State. Nominated for appointment by Governor Phil Murphy on December 18, 2017, Ms. Way was sworn in on February 26, 2018. As Secretary of State, Ms. Way holds one of the nation’s oldest constitutional offices and leads a department with a diverse portfolio. She serves as New Jersey’s top election official, overseeing the state Division of Elections and its work in securing our democracy and ensuring broad, fair access to the right to vote.

Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter is serving in his first five-year term. The County Clerk receives petitions from candidates, designs ballots, issues mail-in-ballots, and certifies election results in Somerset County. He is a former member of the Somerville Borough Council and serves as the Education Chair for the International Association of Government Officials.

Somerset County Election Commissioner Christian R. Mastondrea serves as the Secretary of the Somerset County Board of Elections. The Board of Elections is charged with ensuring the integrity and accuracy of every election by administering fair and appropriate voting procedures in full compliance with federal and state election laws and regulations. The Board maintains an accurate voter registration database, manages voting sites, and ensures that all voting machines are properly secured, equipped, maintained, and fully operational on Election Day.

The United Democratic Coalition of Hillsborough was founded in 2021 to provide a forum for Democrats and progressive-minded Hillsborough residents to discuss issues, promote their ideas, and support Democratic candidates for public office.

“The idea ‘think globally, act locally’ applies to politics too. The United Democratic Coalition of Hillsborough is a great place to get involved if you are interested in making a difference in the world by volunteering at home.” said Beder. “Whether you care about climate change, equality, public health, social and economic justice, or just want a place where you can vent about your eccentric uncle who watches too much Fox News, you will find a new friend at the United Democratic Coalition of Hillsborough.”

Advance registration for the Voting Rights and Security event on September 20th is available at uniteddemocraticcoalition.org. The event will be held on Zoom and will be broadcast live on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UnitedDemocraticCoalition.

This press release was produced by the United Democratic Coalition of Hillsborough. The views expressed here are the author's own.