NY Republican State Senator subpoenas students during final exams week to question their votes

cross posted on the College Dems of NY blog: http://www.collegedemsny.com/blog

In New York's 11th State Senate District, the race is still yet to be determined because the counting of ballots has not been finalized. Currently the Republican incumbent Frank Padavan leads Democratic challenger Jim Genaro by 600 votes. The Republican party has it out for the students of St. John’s University in the senate district, contesting that student votes should be thown out.

State Senator Frank (the tank) Padavan has even stooped so low that he is subpoenaeing a handful of students at St. John’s.

The New York Times reports: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/nyregion/02queens.html?_r=1

“Republican lawyers have challenged the votes of students, mostly from St. John’s University, saying that they filled out affidavit ballots with addresses that were not their permanent residences. In the paper ballot count, Mr. Padavan is leading by about 600 votes, but about 1,000 more ballots remained to be counted and the validity of an additional 2,000 must still be reviewed.

oh, and did we mention the subpoenas are during final exams week?

While the challenges and subpoenas have angered students, who are being forced to appear during exams, they underscore the high stakes attached to winning the Senate seat in Queens

According to College Dem member Chris Puntarrilo from St. Johns:

"I’m glad this race is finally getting the attention from bigger media outlets it deserves. From what I know, students are upset but will show in court. I ask you, don’t let this discourage you from voting in the future. Do not let anyone take away your right to vote."

Lets break down this wall of injustice.

Chris is a student at St. John’s University.