New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

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Sandy causes concern for some absentee voters

UPDATE:

November 1, 12:00 PM

Post offices where there is power have now resumed service.

ARTICLE

Over the last few days, the NYU community has been occupied with concerns about shelter, water, electricity and food. However, with the November 6 election days away, many are still in possession of absentee ballots that need to be mailed out.

As of yesterday, the United States Postal Service continued its suspended service in parts of New York due to power outages.

With mail services suspended since the storm hit, many New Yorkers fear that their ballots won’t be received in their home states before the election.

Alexandra Endres, a CAS junior, said that she has held voting in high regard since she was young and was looking forward to voting in this election, but might not be able to now.

“I figured I’d mail in the ballot right after everything calmed down and it would be fine,” Endres said. “Unfortunately, when I fled to Brooklyn this morning to stay with my friends and boyfriend, I forgot to bring the absentee ballot.”

She said she hopes her home state of Wisconsin will provide an extension, but doubts that it has a system in place for this situation.

Some students who were leaving the city offered to mail ballots for those staying behind. Tisch sophomore Danielle Kincs, who mailed her ballot before the storm, is bringing a ballot to Boston for a friend.

“I’ve never been to Boston but I’ll look for a mailbox,” Kincs said. “I would be freaking out if it was me.”

Other students have been carrying their ballots in hope of finding operational mailing services.

“I don’t know what to do with it,” said CAS sophomore Alexa Kabazie. “I have no stamps. I have no idea because I’m going home tomorrow and it’s not like I can mail it from home because they’ll think I lied and am not actually absent so they won’t count my vote. It’s frustrating because I’m kind of stuck.”

The New York state government website posted a message saying that poll sites for the election may change. New Jersey has yet to make any new arrangements.

“Right now I’m much more concerned about preventing any other loss of life, getting people to safe places,” New Jersey governor Chris Christie said to CNN. “Then we’ll worry about the election. The election will take care of itself.”

Julie DeVito is a senior editor. Email her at [email protected].

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