Putnam County Sheriff's Race Too Close To Call

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Neither of the candidates in Tuesday's election for Putnam County Sheriff have declared victory. Challenger Robert Langley held a narrow lead —335 votes — against County Sheriff Donald Smith Wednesday morning.

The unofficial totals, which do not include absentee ballots, were tallied by the Putnam County Board of Elections: Langley had 11,732 votes to 11,397 for Smith.

Smith attributed the high turnout among Democrats to opposition to the proposed constitutional convention.

Langley is a former sheriff’s investigator. Smith was seeking his fifth term.

Here is Smith's statement:

I am very proud of our positive and clean campaign. I truly believe in our Democracy and that it is important that the office of Sheriff be elected by the people as the Sheriff has historically been known as “the People’s lawman”.

This is a very close race, and I believe that every single ballot needs to be counted and I will proudly accept the will of the People in the election process which celebrates our Democracy.
Historically, I have done very well with Absentee Ballots, as many of them come from Senior Citizens, the Military and the Youth of the County who are away at college and know me personally through Scouting, the Sheriff’s Cadet Program and Youth Court.

The turnout from the Democratic Party was higher than expected due to the tsunami of opposition against having a Constitutional Convention, which I also was against. Again, I am very proud to serve the citizens of our great County and will always honor their will in electing our leaders through our American Democracy.

Here is Langley's statement:

Yesterday, record numbers of Putnam County residents went to the polls, and it appears that we have won an historic victory. Voters sent a clear message that we need a Sheriff with integrity, and one worthy of trust. I am honored and humbled by the trust you have placed in me.
All of Putnam County deserves Sheriff's Deputies who are accessible members of our communities. All of Putnam County deserves to feel safe and protected by County law enforcement regardless of political persuasion.
Like the majority of voters who cast ballots yesterday, I am eager for the final results of this election. I have great respect for our democracy, and believe it is important that every voter who took the time to cast a ballot, including absentee ballots, have their vote counted. I am confident that we have won this election. We will turn the page to honest policing in Putnam County, and together we will return integrity to the Office of Sheriff.

PHOTO/ Putnam Sheriff Donald Smith