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TAKING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM A POSITION ON THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO RUN FOR STATE SENATE IS NOT THE EQUIVALENT OF RESIGNING FROM THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, WHICH IS REQUIRED BY THE ELECTION LAW; THE DESIGNATING PETITION SHOULD HAVE BEEN INVALIDATED (SECOND DEPT). ​

The Second Department, reversing Supreme Court, determined the designating petition of LaLota should have been invalidated under the provisions of the Election Law. LoLota was a Commissioner of the Suffolk County Board of Elections. He took a “leave of absence” from that position to allow him to seek office as a State Senator. The Second Department held that taking a leave of absence was not the equivalent of resigning, which is required by the Election Law:

The purpose of the statute is readily apparent—to prevent the conflict of interest, and potential abuse of authority, that would arise if a person is simultaneously both a candidate for public office and an election commissioner charged with the responsibility for overseeing the casting and canvassing of votes for that office. The concern that the statute addresses would not be assuaged by an election commissioner simply stepping aside momentarily while reserving the right to act as commissioner at any time of his or her own choosing. Additionally, because the Deputy Commissioner is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Commissioner … , LaLota’s designation of his deputy to act for him during his leave of absence does not serve to ameliorate the conflict of interest concerns against which the statute seeks to guard. Matter of LaLota v New York State Bd. of Elections, 2020 NY Slip Op 02905, Second Dept 5-15-20

 

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