Board of Elections Votes to Consider Subpoenas for Matos’ Signature Collectors — After Primary
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Board of Elections Votes to Consider Subpoenas for Matos’ Signature Collectors — After Primary
The move comes after the board had voted to investigate all of Matos’ signatures.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAny consideration of subpoenas, however, will not take place until after the primary in September.
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On Tuesday, two board members, Randall Jackvony and Louis DeSimone, had moved to have the subpoenas issued immediately.
Board members Michael Connors and David Sholes voiced their opposition.
Sholes specifically pointed to the matter having already been referred to the Attorney General for investigation.
“I don’t know what this would accomplish…we could do this after the Attorney General’s investigation,” he said.
Then, the Board discussed whether, if subpoenaed, the signature collectors for Matos would invoke the Fifth Amendment as they may be subject to the State Police investigation.
Matos campaign's attorney Michael Goldberg appeared before the board on Tuesday at the meeting.
“The campaign does have concerns about fraud,” said Goldberg. “Early voting starts tomorrow — this board needs to ensure the integrity of elections. If the board opts to continue an investigation while this is underway, the board will impact the election.”
The motion to immediately issue subpoenas, as put forth by Jackvony was voted down.
Board member Marcela Betancur then put forward a motion to consider issuing subpoenas at the September 12 meeting — following the primary election — which was approved 4-2.
Board Chair Diane Mederos -- who had previously opposed a board investigation in Matos' signature -- was absent.